My name is Leila, and I was diagnosed with NVLD when I was in fifth grade. Having NVLD has made it really hard for me to do a lot of things. I’ve struggled with math since I was a child, and I still can’t ride a bike like all my other friends. I cannot tell the difference between sarcasm and literal things, and it’s super frustrating to me when my friends don’t understand, or when I misinterpret what they say. It sometimes makes me feel too sensitive or disconnected from others. Read More
The NVLD Project Blog
I have always felt like Alice in Wonderland. Living with a Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) often feels like walking through a world that was never designed with me in mind. Society operates on rigid, ableist expectations, and rules that assume everyone processes information, time, and social cues in the same way. Read More
I believe I inherited my learning disability from my father, who was diagnosed with a processing disorder in his 20s. At around 3 years old, doctors told my mother that it was possible that I wouldn’t be able to write and do other things that require visual spatial skills, such as driving. The occupational therapist also discovered that I could not cross midline meaning I could move left arm to my right side across the center of my body which indicated a disruption in the connection between the right and left hemispheres in my brain. Read More
I was saddened by the recent passing of Alice Wong, an American Disability Rights Activist and author. Alice Wong was the first disability advocate I encountered when I began my Disability Studies journey, and her impact has stayed with me ever since. Her unapologetic activism, her storytelling, and her commitment to disability justice opened my eyes to what true advocacy looks like. Read More
In 2021, I struggled to learn to drive with Non Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD). Despite passing the written test, my brain struggled to translate written concepts into physical actions while driving. Coordinating the pedals, steering, mirrors, and spatial awareness felt overwhelming. Read More
Growing up with undiagnosed NVLD and ADHD was deeply challenging. While a few teachers were supportive, most students did not recognize my struggles, and I often felt ostracized within school social structures—from elementary school through high school. Because my learning disabilities were not diagnosed until my sophomore year, many teachers approached me with preconceived notions, labeling my difficulties with listening, following directions, interpreting nonverbal cues, and fine motor tasks as me being “difficult” or a “challenge,” rather than recognizing that I needed additional support. Read More
After years of struggling in life, struggles finding work that I could do (adequately), struggles in housing and homelessness, not being able to learn how to drive-despite much effort and hard work I knew enough was enough. That my inability to do these things-which are pretty much required to live a decent life, have a career and be self-sufficient- was not my fault and I wasn’t lazy or unmotivated but must have an undiagnosed disability. Read More
Growing up with only one sibling who excelled in everything was both difficult and highly rewarding. So in this piece, I will share the positives and negatives. As deep down I know, in the end, it gave me a much brighter future.
For example, right away, I decided to stay in sports despite having gross motor skills deficits. This was a surprise to many as most thought based on my deficits I needed to do the manager route. However, by attending my sister’s athletic events, I understood if I wasn’t in sports I would miss out on so much. This led me to challenge myself, and at times I did think the doubters were right. Fortunately I learned rather quickly that by being in athletics, you can meet great friends and mentors. What was special about this was that both me and my sister I received multiple awards during our athletic careers and without wanting to keep with her I wouldn’t have had these very positive experiences. Read More
As of September 2025, I will celebrate a milestone I never expected to have as a neurodivergent individual, especially one considered ‘twice exceptional’ such as myself.
I am celebrating 10 years of working with my organization.
A decade of continuous employment with the same people. In an era of job hopping and losses, of lockdowns and bankruptcies and shortages and tariffs, I’ve stayed and grown. I’ve been stable. I finished graduate school, was elected to multiple boards, and started a family. Read More
Parents often express worry regarding their child’s social, academic, and professional future. They tell me, “My child has no friends, they struggle in math, getting lost, tying their shoes, etc.” Of course, these are legitimate concerns regarding many children with NVLD, and there are steps that you can take to help your child develop everyday living, social, and academic skills. Read More
