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Most learning disabilities that people are familiar with are either attention or reading based. Nonverbal learning disabilities are much less publicized and often much harder to identify than attention deficit hyperactive disorder or dyslexia. Simply put, these disabilities occur when children have difficulty with spatial relations, determining order, motor skills and other nonverbal skills and characteristics. However, they often compensate with above average verbal skills. As young children they will be able to use words and converse in a manner typical of much older children. This makes parents and teacher assume that children with NVLD are very bright or even gifted (and they may be). When they are older, they will have trouble with school work that will often be blamed on personal laziness. Unlike ADHD and other disorders, children with nonverbal challenges are typically not disruptive.
Most school districts spend whatever special education resources they have on accommodating physical disabilities and the more easily identified attention and reading based issues. However, the situation for children with nonverbal learning disabilities is not hopeless. Special schools such as Brehm Preparatory School are able to help students with nonverbal issues. Some strategies for helping NVLD students achieve are:
- Specialized writing instruction
- Small group work
- Individual attention
- Adaptation of technology (laptops, voice recorders, etc)
- Incorporating checklists and organizational aids
In addition to classroom success, Brehm Preparatory School is able to offer social and emotional support services. We have a history of success with students that have come to us with a variety of learning disabilities. Contact us to learn more about our programs and how they can benefit your child.
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