How to Recognize NLD in a Child

NLD (non-verbal learning disorder) goes undiagnosed in many children because they speak at an early age and appear to be highly intelligent. Sometimes associated with a moderate head injury or radiation near the head at a very young age, NLD becomes very difficult for a child during his adolescent years as it affects his ability to interact with others and leads to an increased rate of suicide.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Observe the child’s fine motor skills. Notice apparent difficulty using common household items like scissors or a can opener. NLD shows up in children otherwise considered “gifted” in their inability to perform daily chores with their hands.

2. Watch your child as he plays with others. Does he try but fail to kick the soccer ball? Is dribbling a basketball almost impossible for him? Is he clumsy when he tries to run and play sports? Non-verbal learning disorders can separate a child from others who can perform easy childhood stunts.

3. Try a balancing act. Children with NLD exhibit trouble maintaining their balance and will behave in a manner others determine is due to a lack of coordination. Often these children will cover for their physical problems through their verbal abilities, which are often very high.

4. Recall when the child first learned to speak. At a very young age, NLD sufferers may be speaking like adults. Repeating and memorizing large amounts of text, these children focus on the verbal areas of their brains to make up for their non-verbal disorder.

5. Notice his developing social skills as he moves into the middle school years. Children with NLD often have a hard time making friends since they are unable to keep up physically and their uncoordinated behavior prompts other children to ridicule them.

6. Talk to his teachers about behavior problems if they are present. Children who suffer from NLD are at an increased risk for developing behavioral problems as a defense against teasing.

7. Visit a specialist who deals with NLD syndrome in children. Talk to your family doctor about referring your child. He deserves a diagnosis and a treatment plan that will allow him to deal positively with a very socially debilitating problem.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child is despondent, contact a specialist immediately.

Resources

• NLD on the Web, extensive resources.

[Chaddy]

on 12/21/2007 I was not familiar with this illness - Your article was very enlightening! Thank you!

[grouch]

on 12/21/2007 Thanks for the warning signs. There are so many things as a parent we should be watching for but not enough information out there sometimes.