Nonverbal Learning Disorder

Learning disabilities are considered to be neurobehavioral disorders (Stewart 2002 p. 4). These disorders are classified as an abnormality in the way that the brain processes information (Stewart 2002 p. 4). It should be noted that neurobehavioral disorders are not considered intellectual disabilities, but rather a difference in cognition, as well as difficulties in the way an individual understands outside stimuli and how the person interacts with the world (Stewart 2002 p. 4). Though learning disorders have traditionally been defined as disorders that explain verbal deficits, recently, there has been a shift in changing the definition of learning disorders to neuropsychological disorders that affect learning and behavior (Grodzinsky et al., 2010 p. 435). Nonverbal Learning Disorder is an example of a disorder that is classified as a neurobehavioral disorder in which the right hemisphere of the brain is affected (Harendek & Rouke 1994 p. 144, Stewart 2002 p. 4). This paper contains a literature review of information pertaining to Nonverbal Learning Disorder.

Nonverbal Learning Disorder is characterized by sets of both strengths and weaknesses (Casey 2012 pp. 35-36, Forrest 2004 p. 129, Harendek & Rouke 1994 p. 144, Grodzinsky et al., 2010 p. 436). However, in recent years, it has become evident that there is not a clear definition of Nonverbal Learning Disorder, and what it entails (Forrest 2004, p. 131, Grodzinsky et al. 2010, p. 434). In essence, each case of Nonverbal Learning Disorder may present differently (Forrest 2004, p. 131, Grodzinsky et al. 2010, p. 434). Individuals with Nonverbal Learning Disorder may experience difficulties in areas such as visual-spatial processing, tactile perception, psychomotor areas, and non...

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...perger’s Syndrome A parent’s guide. (3-18). Oakland: New Harbinger Publications.

Tanguay, P.B. (2001). NLD-What is it?. Nonverbal Learning Disabilities at home: A parent’s guide. (14-23). London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Tsatanais, K. D., & Rouke, B.P. (1995). Conclusions and Future Directions. In B.P. Rouke (Ed.) Syndrome of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: Neurodevelopmental Manifestations (1-26). New York: Guiliford Press.

Tuller, B., Jantzen, K.J., Olvera, D., Steinberg, F., & Kelso, J.A.S. (2007). The influence of instruction modality on brain activation in teenagers with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: Two case histories. Journal of Learning Disabilities. 40(4), 348-259.

Whitney, R.V. (2002). Inside the World of Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Bridging the gap: Raising a child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder. (33-51). New York: Berkley Publishing Group.