Comments on: NDL- Nonverbal Learning Disorder http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/ Timeless Parenting Advice for Toddlers through Teenagers Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:29:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.4 by: Gillian http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-43845 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:00:03 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-43845 You have explained NVLD better in the most understand way. I have a child with this and at times feel ovewhelmed by it. Although having a diagnosis has improved things dealing with the school system is still a challenge. It hurts to watch my son's struggles especially socially at school. He is the one never invited to parties. We try to help him with his social skills, but he prefers to spend time with adults. I have not found other parents very accepting of my son's disability and I wonder if this is others experience or just a part of my community. Gillian You have explained NVLD better in the most understand way. I have a child with this and at times feel ovewhelmed by it. Although having a diagnosis has improved things dealing with the school system is still a challenge.

It hurts to watch my son’s struggles especially socially at school. He is the one never invited to parties. We try to help him with his social skills, but he prefers to spend time with adults.

I have not found other parents very accepting of my son’s disability and I wonder if this is others experience or just a part of my community.

Gillian

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]]> by: cp cerebral http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-41269 Mon, 19 May 2008 19:50:36 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-41269 <strong>cp cerebral</strong> We are committed to bringing the benefits of bioscience to our patients, by providing umbilical stem cells of the highest quality possible. cp cerebral

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]]> by: Michelle http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-40593 Tue, 13 May 2008 02:34:43 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-40593 Hello, Are son was diagnosed with NLD at the tender age of seven. We had him tested by a Psychologist on are own dime. It cost us 1,500.00. The best money we spent. As parents you know your child best. The local board of education was willing to test him however I am very apprehensive when it comes to board testing. They tend to limit the amount of tests they use & most kids come back with the same diagnosis over & over again ADD or ADHD. You can't tell me that all kids suffer from these two behavioral disabilities consistently. In are province (Ontario, Canada) the school board do not have to provide any resource support to children with behavioral problems. Simply, put them on Ridalin & your problems disappear. I would be hesitant to have school board testing. Out of no disrespect to teachers many of them are simply unqualified to pick up on any of the signs & symptoms of NLD. Trust your instincts & spend the money to have your most valuable asset tested if you strongly feel something is not right. Are son with regular remediation with a phenomenal tutor who has a Master Degree in Special Education is coping well. Thank God we clued in soon enough & did not bury are head in the sand. So far the things are working in are son's favour. The school board does not give him the resource support he needs because they are "poor". You must rely on yourselves to get your child the help they will need in order to survive & thrive. Hello,

Are son was diagnosed with NLD at the tender age of seven. We had him tested by a Psychologist on are own dime. It cost us 1,500.00. The best money we spent. As parents you know your child best. The local board of education was willing to test him however I am very apprehensive when it comes to board testing. They tend to limit the amount of tests they use & most kids come back with the same diagnosis over & over again ADD or ADHD. You can’t tell me that all kids suffer from these two behavioral disabilities consistently. In are province (Ontario, Canada) the school board do not have to provide any resource support to children with behavioral problems. Simply, put them on Ridalin & your problems disappear. I would be hesitant to have school board testing. Out of no disrespect to teachers many of them are simply unqualified to pick up on any of the signs & symptoms of NLD. Trust your instincts & spend the money to have your most valuable asset tested if you strongly feel something is not right. Are son with regular remediation with a phenomenal tutor who has a Master Degree in Special Education is coping well. Thank God we clued in soon enough & did not bury are head in the sand. So far the things are working in are son’s favour. The school board does not give him the resource support he needs because they are “poor”. You must rely on yourselves to get your child the help they will need in order to survive & thrive.

]]> by: Rovira http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-38197 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:21:06 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-38197 Anyone successful with Concerta for NLD? Anyone successful with Concerta for NLD?

]]> by: Niki http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-37511 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:23:15 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-37511 I just noticed after typing all of that, the last post prior to mine (minus the advertisement) was from 2007 :^( Does this mean this thread is "dead" ?? I am new to "boards". I just noticed after typing all of that, the last post prior to mine (minus the advertisement) was from 2007 :^( Does this mean this thread is “dead” ?? I am new to “boards”.

]]> by: Niki http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-37510 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:20:36 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-37510 Ridiculously long post (sorry to take so much room on an initial post, but I am so thrilled to have someone that I can discuss this with): I found this site while researching more info on NLD. It is a long story how I came to find the site NLD On The Web and learned about all of this. I have been trying to get someone..anyone (we've seen a string of professionals..in fact I just got back tonight from a 3 day assessment for him at a diagnostic center that he was referred to by the Special Education Dept in our school district) to listen to the available information on this. My son has recently been dx with PDD-NOS. Even though the Autism specialist (for the Regional Center) made it very clear that my son's case (well he actually said that <i>my son</i>specifically, frustrated him) due to the inconsistencies in all of his symptoms/behaviors. ie: sometimes he exhibits very clear symptoms of autism, sometimes clear symptoms of ADHD, pragmatic difficulties,etc...yet none of these symptoms are present all the time. Example: In the Autism specialists report he specifically states "the only thing consistent about his eye contact is that it is inconsistent". Everyone that has worked with him (most importantly his Speech Therapist at the last school) are "puzzled" by his "odd use of language" They say that "it is as if he knows the rules of language, for example in test situations, yet doesn't seem able to apply them in "real world" situations. It seems like no matter how much I try to get someone to refer us to a neuropsychologist they all just look at me like I'm speaking a foreign language. He was having a great deal of difficulty in school. They (school staff and parent volunteers) have literally pushed him to the point of meltdowns...in the physical sense (though he doesn't like the term meltdown, he says it doesn't make any sense..he prefers I say when he feels "overloaded" which I think we can all agree..makes perfect sense). He has been treated miserably by the two schools he's been to. He's 6! He's in the first grade and has already learned to hate school so much that now that I'm doing an online virtual academy with him I have to refer to it as "home study" or he gets really upset and basically shuts down :^( Some of the things that cause me to believe that there is something neurological at play would be: the fact that he knows something concretely one day then just seems to "lose" it another, then it will come back sometimes a day or two, weeks, months..etc as if it were more "misplaced" than lost. This is in reference to words, ideas, skills...etc. The way he talks around or explains terms rather than just saying them (when you say "oh do you mean ___?" he will often slap his head and say "yeah, I forgot") His use of language is very consistent with what I learned about "split-brain studies" about a decade ago in my Cognitive Studies course. It is as if he makes his own sense of things that he doesn't seem able to recall, but knows that he should recognize for some reason. There was something interesting that happened with the assessment by the Sensory Integration Therapist (he has a LOT of sensory sensitivities). She did something to test his vision or if following the objects hurt his eyes or something, as she specifically asked him afterward if his eyes hurt. Interestingly enough, he said no. Then later told me that he didn't like the stuff he did with her stating that "I really didn't like when she put sand on my arm and the balls really hurt my eyes. I didn't like that shaving cream either it felt GROSS! The swing made me want to throw up!!!" (They are sharing the assessment results with me next week after they all meet and discuss their findings, so I don't know what it meant) Maybe someone here can help me with this. She was holding two balls, a blue and a green. She did several movements with him and held his chin so that he would only follow with his eyes. When she moved the one of the balls out to the side (I assumed to test his peripheral vision)his eyes moved as if on a spring. Whether she moved them to the right or the left, his eye moved out to the corner, then they appeared to "snap" back to the center and vibrate/shake then he moved them back out to the side again and they "snapped" back again. What I've found online seems to indicate that this is an indication of something neurologically as well. Last but not least, when he gets headaches (not infrequently) he always says it hurts on the right side of his head. When he realizes he "forgot" something (like the examples above) he smacks his head ..on the right side. Also, when he was having all of the "overloads" at school (and home as a result of the stress at school) I talked to him about it and tried to figure out from his point of view what had happened. He said "I try to keep the bad stuff out, but my brain just won't let me, then made a fist and pounded the RIGHT side of his head while making a grumbling frustrated sound. When he is writing and his penmanship starts to "change" (teacher would say it is "sloppy" or "lazy") and his arm is cramping he will say things like "I am trying to make the 'A', but my brain just won't let me". It seems to me that my 6 yr old child, that has been labeled as having communication difficulties, is definitely communicating something VERY clearly that nobody seems to be "hearing". Pediatrician gave me Tylenol (are you kidding me?) Psychiatrist wants to put him SSRI's, etc. Am I wrong here? Doesn't it seem quite possible that my child knows more about what is going on with his brain than these "professionals" do?? Ridiculously long post (sorry to take so much room on an initial post, but I am so thrilled to have someone that I can discuss this with): I found this site while researching more info on NLD. It is a long story how I came to find the site NLD On The Web and learned about all of this. I have been trying to get someone..anyone (we’ve seen a string of professionals..in fact I just got back tonight from a 3 day assessment for him at a diagnostic center that he was referred to by the Special Education Dept in our school district) to listen to the available information on this. My son has recently been dx with PDD-NOS. Even though the Autism specialist (for the Regional Center) made it very clear that my son’s case (well he actually said that my sonspecifically, frustrated him) due to the inconsistencies in all of his symptoms/behaviors. ie: sometimes he exhibits very clear symptoms of autism, sometimes clear symptoms of ADHD, pragmatic difficulties,etc…yet none of these symptoms are present all the time. Example: In the Autism specialists report he specifically states “the only thing consistent about his eye contact is that it is inconsistent”. Everyone that has worked with him (most importantly his Speech Therapist at the last school) are “puzzled” by his “odd use of language” They say that “it is as if he knows the rules of language, for example in test situations, yet doesn’t seem able to apply them in “real world” situations. It seems like no matter how much I try to get someone to refer us to a neuropsychologist they all just look at me like I’m speaking a foreign language. He was having a great deal of difficulty in school. They (school staff and parent volunteers) have literally pushed him to the point of meltdowns…in the physical sense (though he doesn’t like the term meltdown, he says it doesn’t make any sense..he prefers I say when he feels “overloaded” which I think we can all agree..makes perfect sense). He has been treated miserably by the two schools he’s been to. He’s 6! He’s in the first grade and has already learned to hate school so much that now that I’m doing an online virtual academy with him I have to refer to it as “home study” or he gets really upset and basically shuts down :^( Some of the things that cause me to believe that there is something neurological at play would be: the fact that he knows something concretely one day then just seems to “lose” it another, then it will come back sometimes a day or two, weeks, months..etc as if it were more “misplaced” than lost. This is in reference to words, ideas, skills…etc. The way he talks around or explains terms rather than just saying them (when you say “oh do you mean ___?” he will often slap his head and say “yeah, I forgot”) His use of language is very consistent with what I learned about “split-brain studies” about a decade ago in my Cognitive Studies course. It is as if he makes his own sense of things that he doesn’t seem able to recall, but knows that he should recognize for some reason. There was something interesting that happened with the assessment by the Sensory Integration Therapist (he has a LOT of sensory sensitivities). She did something to test his vision or if following the objects hurt his eyes or something, as she specifically asked him afterward if his eyes hurt. Interestingly enough, he said no. Then later told me that he didn’t like the stuff he did with her stating that “I really didn’t like when she put sand on my arm and the balls really hurt my eyes. I didn’t like that shaving cream either it felt GROSS! The swing made me want to throw up!!!” (They are sharing the assessment results with me next week after they all meet and discuss their findings, so I don’t know what it meant) Maybe someone here can help me with this. She was holding two balls, a blue and a green. She did several movements with him and held his chin so that he would only follow with his eyes. When she moved the one of the balls out to the side (I assumed to test his peripheral vision)his eyes moved as if on a spring. Whether she moved them to the right or the left, his eye moved out to the corner, then they appeared to “snap” back to the center and vibrate/shake then he moved them back out to the side again and they “snapped” back again. What I’ve found online seems to indicate that this is an indication of something neurologically as well. Last but not least, when he gets headaches (not infrequently) he always says it hurts on the right side of his head. When he realizes he “forgot” something (like the examples above) he smacks his head ..on the right side. Also, when he was having all of the “overloads” at school (and home as a result of the stress at school) I talked to him about it and tried to figure out from his point of view what had happened. He said “I try to keep the bad stuff out, but my brain just won’t let me, then made a fist and pounded the RIGHT side of his head while making a grumbling frustrated sound. When he is writing and his penmanship starts to “change” (teacher would say it is “sloppy” or “lazy”) and his arm is cramping he will say things like “I am trying to make the ‘A’, but my brain just won’t let me”. It seems to me that my 6 yr old child, that has been labeled as having communication difficulties, is definitely communicating something VERY clearly that nobody seems to be “hearing”. Pediatrician gave me Tylenol (are you kidding me?) Psychiatrist wants to put him SSRI’s, etc. Am I wrong here? Doesn’t it seem quite possible that my child knows more about what is going on with his brain than these “professionals” do??

]]> by: Alison http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-37319 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:57:07 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-37319 My son is 16 years old 6'2" and 210 pounds. We learned about NLD when he was in 2nd and grade, but because we live in a remote area he has never formally been diagnosed. We have never used NLD as an excuse but is something we have tried to keep in the back of our minds when dealing with him. Our school is small, he has 8 classmates. They have all been together since we got here in the 3rd grade, so he has had consistency and predictability. There is only one teacher per grade level so he has always known what to expect. Our town has 400 people, most of which Isaac knows. My problem now is that Isaac is in groups which require travel. He recently returned from a 6 day trip to an FFA convention. He seems to do okay with the traveling (at least I don't hear any complaints from the adults on the trip) however is transition back to family life is extemely difficult and resulted in huge fight. For the first time I was afraid of his outburt. He seems to revert to vocal tones and attitudes that he has been told are disrespectful and innappropriate. And he still doesn't always have the level of control of his frustrations that he will need in adult life. How do we go about this. All I can find is academic related. He has decided he wants to be a history teacher, but I believe this is only because this would seem to be familiar to him. (he knows how to do school). However, teaching would require from him a level of patience I don't believe he yet possesses. My son is 16 years old 6′2″ and 210 pounds. We learned about NLD when he was in 2nd and grade, but because we live in a remote area he has never formally been diagnosed. We have never used NLD as an excuse but is something we have tried to keep in the back of our minds when dealing with him. Our school is small, he has 8 classmates. They have all been together since we got here in the 3rd grade, so he has had consistency and predictability. There is only one teacher per grade level so he has always known what to expect. Our town has 400 people, most of which Isaac knows. My problem now is that Isaac is in groups which require travel. He recently returned from a 6 day trip to an FFA convention. He seems to do okay with the traveling (at least I don’t hear any complaints from the adults on the trip) however is transition back to family life is extemely difficult and resulted in huge fight. For the first time I was afraid of his outburt. He seems to revert to vocal tones and attitudes that he has been told are disrespectful and innappropriate. And he still doesn’t always have the level of control of his frustrations that he will need in adult life. How do we go about this. All I can find is academic related. He has decided he wants to be a history teacher, but I believe this is only because this would seem to be familiar to him. (he knows how to do school). However, teaching would require from him a level of patience I don’t believe he yet possesses.

]]> by: University Of Arizona Medical School http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-32705 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:38:45 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-32705 <strong>Medical Transcription Schools – Avoiding Online Scams</strong> Medical transcription is a lucrative profession which allows you the flexibility to work from home. Unfortunately, it's this appeal that has opened the doors for less than honest online medical transcription schools. Medical Transcription Schools – Avoiding Online Scams

Medical transcription is a lucrative profession which allows you the flexibility to work from home. Unfortunately, it’s this appeal that has opened the doors for less than honest online medical transcription schools.

]]> by: dr. rick hughes http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-24219 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 03:30:42 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-24219 nvld has been a thorn in my side for years, flunked geometry, any science class, but teachers passed me because I was a great basketball player, still get lost in traffic, can't fix anythingt mechanical, can't find my car in a parking lot, it's a pain...was lucky I was taught mnemonic devices which got me a PhD in psychology...have dedicated my life to teaching others these memory stratgies...a professor who liked Jerry Lucas' book, THE MEMORY BOOK, simplified the strategies for me, I have assessed many kids with nvld, they had better get in a job that's verbal, many flunk out and are miserable, even though they are bright...I still cry when I read about people with nvld working in a low pay job that doesn't fit...I would drive 100 miles or more to help someone who's struggling nvld has been a thorn in my side for years, flunked geometry, any science class, but teachers passed me because I was a great basketball player, still get lost in traffic, can’t fix anythingt mechanical, can’t find my car in a parking lot, it’s a pain…was lucky I was taught mnemonic devices which got me a PhD in psychology…have dedicated my life to teaching others these memory stratgies…a professor who liked Jerry Lucas’ book, THE MEMORY BOOK, simplified the strategies for me, I have assessed many kids with nvld, they had better get in a job that’s verbal, many flunk out and are miserable, even though they are bright…I still cry when I read about people with nvld working in a low pay job that doesn’t fit…I would drive 100 miles or more to help someone who’s struggling

]]> by: Rose http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-19590 Sun, 22 Apr 2007 04:53:20 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-19590 My 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with NVLD 5 years ago. She has an IEP in school and that has made a world of difference for her and our family. Homework could take up to 3 hours a night before the IEP. She is in sixth grade now and needs minimal help with homework in the evenings. She just recieved honor roll for the third time in a row. Social skills are our biggest challenges. It is very difficult to see her struggle through conversations and social situations. She goes to private counseling every week (past 2 years) and I have seen vast improvements but yet she still lags behind her peers socially. I am a big believer that social skills are what really helps you be successful in life so watching her is always painful for me. We are heavily focusing in that area. People tell me how blessed she is to have parents that care so much and when I read all of your comments, I can't help but thinking that these children described here are given the wonderful gift of love. They are special and so are you! God Bless My 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with NVLD 5 years ago. She has an IEP in school and that has made a world of difference for her and our family. Homework could take up to 3 hours a night before the IEP. She is in sixth grade now and needs minimal help with homework in the evenings. She just recieved honor roll for the third time in a row.
Social skills are our biggest challenges. It is very difficult to see her struggle through conversations and social situations. She goes to private counseling every week (past 2 years) and I have seen vast improvements but yet she still lags behind her peers socially. I am a big believer that social skills are what really helps you be successful in life so watching her is always painful for me. We are heavily focusing in that area. People tell me how blessed she is to have parents that care so much and when I read all of your comments, I can’t help but thinking that these children described here are given the wonderful gift of love. They are special and so are you! God Bless

]]> by: Arf http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-15557 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 02:55:59 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-15557 I'm a bit surprised at this particular post, considering the Animal School movie and its wonderful message. So some kids do not do well socially? So they like to read instead of play outside? Why does that have to be diagnosed as some disorder? I agree, their brains may be wired different. But to diagnose them (or anyone else, including the "ADHD" kids) as having something wrong with them-some disorder-signifies a presupposition of normalcy, rather than an acceptance of each child as who they are. If a child likes to read, let him. If he would rather run, let him. Wasn't that the Animal School movie's message? Maybe I sound as if I'm taking this personally. Well, I am. On more than one level. The first being. ... A couple of years ago, when faced with an enormously important decision-whether to continue to home school our teens through high school, or put them back in public or private school-we stumbled across the Animal School movie. I considered it then, and still do, as an answer to a prayer. We realized that our kids' creativity would be stamped out if we didn't finish what we'd started. Our oldest just took the SAT. While her math score was almost exactly average, her writing score was almost perfect. Rather than force her to give up her genius, writing, in order to raise her math scores, we allowed her to develop her gift. She's one of those kids who like to read too. Would she have been better off trying to advance into Algebra II, or forced to improve her batting average? No. She would have had to take too much focus off of what she really likes to do: write and write and write. She's already written a speculative fiction trilogy, complete with its own language. I refuse to label my kids, either with NLD, or ADHD, or whatever designer label they come up with next . My son might very well qualify as ADHD, but I reject that. What he has is a gift: energy. I have that gift too. I remember the days when my parents threatened to have me sedated (fortunately, it was before today's drugs). As an adult I work two jobs, and homeschool my kids, and I'm a published author. I can get by on five or six hours sleep, and so can accomplish more. I once mentioned that to a physician and (so help me) the man tried to prescribe Valium for me. Why? So I could sleep some predetermined amount of hours, just to be normal? Forget it. If I'm not normal, then leave me in peace to be abnormal. So help me, if a kid likes to read, then let him read! If he's the class clown (he likes to entertain), then give him a venue in which he can perform! Let him be whomever he is SUPPOSED to be. Why can't anyone see that the reason teenagers commit suicide at such high numbers after going on antidepressants is the message we send them? You take a teen who is depressed, probably because he doesn't fit in at school, and tell him it's because "something is wrong with you." Well, DUH, that just crystalizes his fears. He gives up the last of his hope. I've lived it. Let the kids be who they're created to be. Stop labeling them as abnormal. I’m a bit surprised at this particular post, considering the Animal School movie and its wonderful message. So some kids do not do well socially? So they like to read instead of play outside? Why does that have to be diagnosed as some disorder? I agree, their brains may be wired different. But to diagnose them (or anyone else, including the “ADHD” kids) as having something wrong with them-some disorder-signifies a presupposition of normalcy, rather than an acceptance of each child as who they are. If a child likes to read, let him. If he would rather run, let him. Wasn’t that the Animal School movie’s message? Maybe I sound as if I’m taking this personally. Well, I am. On more than one level. The first being. …

A couple of years ago, when faced with an enormously important decision-whether to continue to home school our teens through high school, or put them back in public or private school-we stumbled across the Animal School movie. I considered it then, and still do, as an answer to a prayer. We realized that our kids’ creativity would be stamped out if we didn’t finish what we’d started. Our oldest just took the SAT. While her math score was almost exactly average, her writing score was almost perfect. Rather than force her to give up her genius, writing, in order to raise her math scores, we allowed her to develop her gift. She’s one of those kids who like to read too. Would she have been better off trying to advance into Algebra II, or forced to improve her batting average? No. She would have had to take too much focus off of what she really likes to do: write and write and write. She’s already written a speculative fiction trilogy, complete with its own language.

I refuse to label my kids, either with NLD, or ADHD, or whatever designer label they come up with next . My son might very well qualify as ADHD, but I reject that. What he has is a gift: energy. I have that gift too. I remember the days when my parents threatened to have me sedated (fortunately, it was before today’s drugs). As an adult I work two jobs, and homeschool my kids, and I’m a published author. I can get by on five or six hours sleep, and so can accomplish more. I once mentioned that to a physician and (so help me) the man tried to prescribe Valium for me. Why? So I could sleep some predetermined amount of hours, just to be normal? Forget it. If I’m not normal, then leave me in peace to be abnormal.

So help me, if a kid likes to read, then let him read! If he’s the class clown (he likes to entertain), then give him a venue in which he can perform! Let him be whomever he is SUPPOSED to be.

Why can’t anyone see that the reason teenagers commit suicide at such high numbers after going on antidepressants is the message we send them? You take a teen who is depressed, probably because he doesn’t fit in at school, and tell him it’s because “something is wrong with you.” Well, DUH, that just crystalizes his fears. He gives up the last of his hope.

I’ve lived it. Let the kids be who they’re created to be. Stop labeling them as abnormal.

]]> by: Kai http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-14396 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:04:36 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-14396 I appreciated this article, but noticed that one of the professionals you forgot to mention is the Speech-Language Pathologist. A component of NLD and Asperger's syndrome is an ability to interpret social and non-verbal language, as well as, difficulties interpreting abstract language which includes idioms and figurative language. Since social emotional intelligence is one of the greatest predictors of life success, the role of the speech-language pathologist role addressing language deficits is critical. I appreciated this article, but noticed that one of the professionals you forgot to mention is the Speech-Language Pathologist. A component of NLD and Asperger’s syndrome is an ability to interpret social and non-verbal language, as well as, difficulties interpreting abstract language which includes idioms and figurative language. Since social emotional intelligence is one of the greatest predictors of life success, the role of the speech-language pathologist role addressing language deficits is critical.

]]> by: lisa http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-13202 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 05:11:13 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-13202 Who would I contact to have my child check for this here in Arizona? Who would I contact to have my child check for this here in Arizona?

]]> by: marlana http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-12920 Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:12:03 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-12920 Is there a connection between dyslexic -I guess I'll call them "tendancies" -and ndl? My second grader still tends to reverse some letters some (but not all) of the time. He's ahead of the game verbally, reads at a high level in his class, does fairly well at math and gravitates towards adults and kids who are either older or younger and seems distant towards kids his own age. I've sometimes wondered about his standoffishness. I don't want to borrow trouble, but it seems pretty close to home. I want to follow up but wondered about the persistance of letter reversing and wondered if there is a definite connection? Is there a connection between dyslexic -I guess I’ll call them “tendancies” -and ndl? My second grader still tends to reverse some letters some (but not all) of the time. He’s ahead of the game verbally, reads at a high level in his class, does fairly well at math and gravitates towards adults and kids who are either older or younger and seems distant towards kids his own age. I’ve sometimes wondered about his standoffishness. I don’t want to borrow trouble, but it seems pretty close to home. I want to follow up but wondered about the persistance of letter reversing and wondered if there is a definite connection?

]]> by: Stacey http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11743 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 03:36:08 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11743 Dorothy Caruso commented that NLD is a "personality uniqueness." This "uniqueness" does come with consequences which the schools often dismiss and use the same test to measure all students. The "unique" students are left to flounder if parents don't step in to help. How would you like a "unique" child? Teachers usually are failing them! Dorothy Caruso commented that NLD is a “personality uniqueness.” This “uniqueness” does come with consequences which the schools often dismiss and use the same test to measure all students. The “unique” students are left to flounder if parents don’t step in to help. How would you like a “unique” child? Teachers usually are failing them!

]]> by: Stacey http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11739 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 03:24:52 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11739 Karen spoke of her 9 yr old being diagnosed as bipolar. Do not walk, run to get her help. For years I attempted to keep my son off meds. He had been in therapy for depression since elem school. By 10th grade he was on meds for depression and later not considered simply depressed, he was bipolar. But I learned some medications for depression also helped with the bipolar symptom of mood swings. Nothing helped those symptoms of impulsivity, inability to focus and stay on task. He was rated near genius in some subjects and in the basement in others. Unfortunately, we were only able to help him until he was around 20 years old. He decided he doesn't want to take meds anymore. I feel if we had gotten 2nd or 3rd opinions we could have done something earlier enough to get him on a routine of taking meds. Now his wonderful wife is working very hard to keep him stable. By the way, they inherited from me. Of my 4 kids I have two adult kids and one 10 yr old with this disability. Only you can keep your concerns for you child on the school's "front burner." Get help now. Karen spoke of her 9 yr old being diagnosed as bipolar. Do not walk, run to get her help. For years I attempted to keep my son off meds. He had been in therapy for depression since elem school. By 10th grade he was on meds for depression and later not considered simply depressed, he was bipolar. But I learned some medications for depression also helped with the bipolar symptom of mood swings. Nothing helped those symptoms of impulsivity, inability to focus and stay on task. He was rated near genius in some subjects and in the basement in others. Unfortunately, we were only able to help him until he was around 20 years old. He decided he doesn’t want to take meds anymore. I feel if we had gotten 2nd or 3rd opinions we could have done something earlier enough to get him on a routine of taking meds. Now his wonderful wife is working very hard to keep him stable. By the way, they inherited from me. Of my 4 kids I have two adult kids and one 10 yr old with this disability. Only you can keep your concerns for you child on the school’s “front burner.” Get help now.

]]> by: Diana http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11574 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:29:14 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11574 Oh, I have never heard of this before, but it made me wonder of one of my boys. I do have a child with a documented vaccine injury and is now labled autistic, and two who are very very bright, one rather be with adults than kids his own age. He says they don't understand him. I will be looking into NLD more. Thanx. Oh, I have never heard of this before, but it made me wonder of one of my boys. I do have a child with a documented vaccine injury and is now labled autistic, and two who are very very bright, one rather be with adults than kids his own age. He says they don’t understand him. I will be looking into NLD more. Thanx.

]]> by: LeAnne Litka http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11348 Fri, 02 Feb 2007 23:17:29 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11348 My 13 yr old was diagnosed this summer. I find the school slow to respond to the info I have given them. I feel like homeschooling him so he can have success in learning. I may be worrying "too far down the path". . . but what kind of job can he be trained for? I worry about his future. My 13 yr old was diagnosed this summer. I find the school slow to respond to the info I have given them. I feel like homeschooling him so he can have success in learning. I may be worrying “too far down the path”. . . but what kind of job can he be trained for? I worry about his future.

]]> by: Nadine http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11316 Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:08:59 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11316 My sister passed this article on to me and I found it most helpful. My daughter was diagnosed with NLD recently at the age of 4 1/2 and I am so thankful to be able to understand where she is coming from and to be able to assist her in these early years. I am glad that I was persistent in seeking help and it is comforting to know that there are others out there trying to understand and help these very unique kids. My sister passed this article on to me and I found it most helpful. My daughter was diagnosed with NLD recently at the age of 4 1/2 and I am so thankful to be able to understand where she is coming from and to be able to assist her in these early years. I am glad that I was persistent in seeking help and it is comforting to know that there are others out there trying to understand and help these very unique kids.

]]> by: Sheri http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11206 Fri, 02 Feb 2007 03:21:45 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11206 This is very interesting to me. My son 9yrs has alot of the same charteristics, however he has been dx'd with severe dyslexia, and ADD. There are many forms of dyslexia, which include dyscalula. My son has the verbal ability of an adult, however the written word means nothing to him. It is like trying to read a foreign language, that you don't know. When you have a child that is high in 1 or 2 areas, the defecit in others it needs to be investigated. The problem is finding a qualified diagnostician. Not everyone is qualified to dx all disorders. My son was tested by the schools and denied services. However, I found out later that you have to specifically trained to pick up each LD. Long story short; He is receiving specialized therapy from a Certified Language Therapist, and is on meds for the ADD. Meds are good when used appropriately. But, you must have a good MD, and great communication with the entire team treating your child. You can't give up, you just press on!! Then one day your child tells you thanks for all you do! That is when the struggle is wort it!!!! My son is succeeding, and he will continue to succeed! PS LD is Learning Difference, not disability!!!!! Ellen, Thanks for all you do!!! Animal School is great, and it fits our special children. This is very interesting to me. My son 9yrs has alot of the same charteristics, however he has been dx’d with severe dyslexia, and ADD. There are many forms of dyslexia, which include dyscalula. My son has the verbal ability of an adult, however the written word means nothing to him. It is like trying to read a foreign language, that you don’t know. When you have a child that is high in 1 or 2 areas, the defecit in others it needs to be investigated. The problem is finding a qualified diagnostician. Not everyone is qualified to dx all disorders. My son was tested by the schools and denied services. However, I found out later that you have to specifically trained to pick up each LD. Long story short; He is receiving specialized therapy from a Certified Language Therapist, and is on meds for the ADD. Meds are good when used appropriately. But, you must have a good MD, and great communication with the entire team treating your child. You can’t give up, you just press on!! Then one day your child tells you thanks for all you do! That is when the struggle is wort it!!!! My son is succeeding, and he will continue to succeed!
PS LD is Learning Difference, not disability!!!!!
Ellen,
Thanks for all you do!!! Animal School is great, and it fits our special children.

]]> by: Lisa-Marie http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11189 Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:31:54 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11189 our 13 year old son was diagnosed with NLD three years ago. At first the diagnosis broke our hearts. This stack of papers was telling us that our wonderful, beautiful son was somehow broken and we hadn't noticed. I felt guilty and wondered if the fact that we had homeschooled him had any bearing on his development. The psychologist was kind and encouraging. She commented on the fact that Simon had a highly developed emotional intelligence and that was a better indicator of futur success than any other aspect of development. We came to remember that he is still the fantastic person that he always was and that our role as his parents is to act as his advocate. We explain him to his teachers. We point out to them when their treatment of him is jusdgmental and unfair. He knows that he has a few quirks, that's what we call them, but that is what makes him unique and so, so lovable. Everyone loves Simon and the odd few who don't are usually unable to accept their own limitations let alone someone else's. In my opinion, they are the ones who are challenged. A diagnosis is only a tool for parents to use to explain how their child can learn better, not a liscence for people to put limitations on them. our 13 year old son was diagnosed with NLD three years ago. At first the diagnosis broke our hearts. This stack of papers was telling us that our wonderful, beautiful son was somehow broken and we hadn’t noticed. I felt guilty and wondered if the fact that we had homeschooled him had any bearing on his development. The psychologist was kind and encouraging. She commented on the fact that Simon had a highly developed emotional intelligence and that was a better indicator of futur success than any other aspect of development. We came to remember that he is still the fantastic person that he always was and that our role as his parents is to act as his advocate. We explain him to his teachers. We point out to them when their treatment of him is jusdgmental and unfair. He knows that he has a few quirks, that’s what we call them, but that is what makes him unique and so, so lovable. Everyone loves Simon and the odd few who don’t are usually unable to accept their own limitations let alone someone else’s. In my opinion, they are the ones who are challenged. A diagnosis is only a tool for parents to use to explain how their child can learn better, not a liscence for people to put limitations on them.

]]> by: Pam http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11172 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 22:31:33 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11172 Libby - You might want to look into auditory processing disorder - poor handwriting, an inability to copy things (like from the blackboard) well and especially long term memory problems are all characteristics of APD. Check out www.ldonline.org. Good luck. Pam Libby - You might want to look into auditory processing disorder - poor handwriting, an inability to copy things (like from the blackboard) well and especially long term memory problems are all characteristics of APD. Check out www.ldonline.org. Good luck. Pam

]]> by: Ellen C. Braun http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11155 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:03:55 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11155 Dr. Spiegel suggested that you direct your specific questions to her via the "Ask Dr. Spiegel" section of her website. It's a free service!  http://www.myfamilycoach.com/ask.html Please share your newfound knowledge with us! Ellen Dr. Spiegel suggested that you direct your specific questions to her via the “Ask Dr. Spiegel” section of her website. It’s a free service!  http://www.myfamilycoach.com/ask.html

Please share your newfound knowledge with us!

Ellen

]]> by: Karen http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11142 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 17:42:26 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11142 Elaina -- I think your "JD" is very fortunate to have a teacher who cares so much and is willing to keep working to help him succeed. Good luck! Elaina — I think your “JD” is very fortunate to have a teacher who cares so much and is willing to keep working to help him succeed. Good luck!

]]> by: Libby http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11136 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:40:54 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11136 All this sounds very interesting to me. I've never heard of it before, but will definitely be checking in to it for my 9 yr old daughter. She has always been home schooled, so I have worked with her the best I can. The lack of math facts, poor handwriting, easily distracted, poor spelling, difficulty in remember things long term, but loves to read are some of her issues. I have wanted her tested for dyslexia, but maybe this is something to pursue as well. Thank you for all the information. All this sounds very interesting to me. I’ve never heard of it before, but will definitely be checking in to it for my 9 yr old daughter. She has always been home schooled, so I have worked with her the best I can. The lack of math facts, poor handwriting, easily distracted, poor spelling, difficulty in remember things long term, but loves to read are some of her issues. I have wanted her tested for dyslexia, but maybe this is something to pursue as well. Thank you for all the information.

]]> by: Marie Kovecsi http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11133 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:22:51 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11133 Our son is 18 and we had to battle the school district to keep him in an ld program. They did not accept the diagnosis of nvld and said it was a medical diagnosis. We had an independent evaluation and several tense meetings. The school program does not address social skills and they exited him from OT. The neuropsychologist who diagnosed him said all asperger's children have nvld but not the reverse-- not all nvld kids are asperger's. Thanks for the resources. Is anyone able to share college experiences? Our son is 18 and we had to battle the school district to keep him in an ld program. They did not accept the diagnosis of nvld and said it was a medical diagnosis. We had an independent evaluation and several tense meetings. The school program does not address social skills and they exited him from OT.
The neuropsychologist who diagnosed him said all asperger’s children have nvld but not the reverse– not all nvld kids are asperger’s.
Thanks for the resources.
Is anyone able to share college experiences?

]]> by: Elaina http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11132 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:21:49 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11132 Dorothy and Karen: As a school teacher, I delight in the idiosyncrasies of each child. I love to encourage them to remain unique. The challenge lies with effectively teaching such a diverse group when one (myself) is unsure of the best approach for those who don't fit any other already-tried category. I don't want to sound as if I'm trying to peg my children into categories. It is just so helpful to be able to recognize tendencies with children as associated to others for the purposes of learning how they learn best and then working toward bringing them to a place of success. All children deserve to feel great about themselves and find success in their life. My 'john doe' is an adorable boy whom I just haven't been able to reach yet. Hopefully, I'll find some help for him and his parents, soon. Good luck to all of you! Elaina Dorothy and Karen:

As a school teacher, I delight in the idiosyncrasies of each child. I love to encourage them to remain unique. The challenge lies with effectively teaching such a diverse group when one (myself) is unsure of the best approach for those who don’t fit any other already-tried category. I don’t want to sound as if I’m trying to peg my children into categories. It is just so helpful to be able to recognize tendencies with children as associated to others for the purposes of learning how they learn best and then working toward bringing them to a place of success. All children deserve to feel great about themselves and find success in their life. My ‘john doe’ is an adorable boy whom I just haven’t been able to reach yet. Hopefully, I’ll find some help for him and his parents, soon. Good luck to all of you!
Elaina

]]> by: Karen http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11119 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:32:29 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11119 I'm with you, Dorothy, in that I think we use medications too often and too quickly. And when I see yet another "disorder" being publicized, my first reaction is to cringe. However, I think descriptions of certain sets of behavior that tend to go together, along with suggestions of how to address them positively, are helpful to those of us who struggle to help our "different" children on a daily basis. As a former public-school teacher, I never believed in all those diagnoses, but now I have my daughter, age 9, who's been teaching me since birth! I didn't want to admit it, but she definitely fits the criteria for bi-polar disorder, and since we received the diagnosis last year (my daughter doesn't know of the BP label, as we don't use that term with her yet), I've been able to find others in similar situations and learn from them. Now, after years of trying everything besides medication (attachment parenting, unconditional love, consistent discipline without punishment, play therapy, music therapy, etc.) -- and still seeing my bright, beautiful daughter talk about killing herself, physically and emotionally abuse herself and her brother and parents, and go from high to low to high to low, with no in-betweens, ... -- we're going in for a medication evaluation. Just to see what they have to offer and decide if there's a med whose benefits will outweigh the risks for her, to help her gain a sense of normalcy so she can grow and develop without the effects of her obvious chemical imbalances. Anyway, with what I know about NLD so far, I don't see where med's would fit in, but there are other situations where they can definitely help as a last resort, after parenting and other variables have been carefully controlled. I’m with you, Dorothy, in that I think we use medications too often and too quickly. And when I see yet another “disorder” being publicized, my first reaction is to cringe. However, I think descriptions of certain sets of behavior that tend to go together, along with suggestions of how to address them positively, are helpful to those of us who struggle to help our “different” children on a daily basis.

As a former public-school teacher, I never believed in all those diagnoses, but now I have my daughter, age 9, who’s been teaching me since birth! I didn’t want to admit it, but she definitely fits the criteria for bi-polar disorder, and since we received the diagnosis last year (my daughter doesn’t know of the BP label, as we don’t use that term with her yet), I’ve been able to find others in similar situations and learn from them. Now, after years of trying everything besides medication (attachment parenting, unconditional love, consistent discipline without punishment, play therapy, music therapy, etc.) — and still seeing my bright, beautiful daughter talk about killing herself, physically and emotionally abuse herself and her brother and parents, and go from high to low to high to low, with no in-betweens, … — we’re going in for a medication evaluation. Just to see what they have to offer and decide if there’s a med whose benefits will outweigh the risks for her, to help her gain a sense of normalcy so she can grow and develop without the effects of her obvious chemical imbalances.

Anyway, with what I know about NLD so far, I don’t see where med’s would fit in, but there are other situations where they can definitely help as a last resort, after parenting and other variables have been carefully controlled.

]]> by: Sarah Thomas http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11057 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:15:04 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11057 Thank you for this article. You could have been writing about either of my boys, both have quite complex learning needs, or even myself when I was at school. It explains why I still find socialising and maintaining friendships quite a mystery/challenge. Thank goodness for home education too. My boys can develop their interests, have all the extra support they need in all the areas they need it, and socialise comfortably too. And people with NLD can have rewarding, fulfilling, happy lives. Thank you for this article.

You could have been writing about either of my boys, both have quite complex learning needs, or even myself when I was at school.

It explains why I still find socialising and maintaining friendships quite a mystery/challenge.

Thank goodness for home education too.
My boys can develop their interests, have all the extra support they need in all the areas they need it, and socialise comfortably too.

And people with NLD can have rewarding, fulfilling, happy lives.

]]> by: Dorothy Caruso http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11053 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 07:38:44 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11053 I am a deep thinker and I've always have been an observer. I can find it difficult to relate to the commonality of life. I am also a teacher and see children who also question more than the average person; who also could be called "nerds" and whatnot, but to me this is a personality uniquiness; not a disorder. I question now, is it automates that we want? Is is robots who are all on the "same page" read "cues" from people who should be more direct rather then "guess what I'm thinking". Adults misread "cues"! Adults can be deceived by misreading people; are children to do better? Have we all lost our minds; blind sheep just following fabricated "disroders" along the way? Follow the trail and see if it leads to drugging little children and you'll find your anwser. I am a deep thinker and I’ve always have been an observer. I can find it difficult to relate to the commonality of life. I am also a teacher and see children who also question more than the average person; who also could be called “nerds” and whatnot, but to me this is a personality uniquiness; not a disorder.
I question now, is it automates that we want? Is is robots who are all on the “same page” read “cues” from people who should be more direct rather then “guess what I’m thinking”.
Adults misread “cues”! Adults can be deceived by misreading people; are children to do better?

Have we all lost our minds; blind sheep just following fabricated “disroders” along the way? Follow the trail and see if it leads to drugging little children and you’ll find your anwser.

]]> by: Wendy http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11024 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:31:22 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11024 How did you get your son tested for giftedness? I have a 4 year old son with Sensory Integration Dysfunction and very weak fine motor skills. I was hoping to find some strengths he might have to help ease some of his frustrations. He also has a significant speech delay which qualifies him for the early childhood program. I'd like to find some link to make sense of his lack of speech. How did you get your son tested for giftedness? I have a 4 year old son with Sensory Integration Dysfunction and very weak fine motor skills. I was hoping to find some strengths he might have to help ease some of his frustrations. He also has a significant speech delay which qualifies him for the early childhood program. I’d like to find some link to make sense of his lack of speech.

]]> by: Karen http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11020 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:07:45 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11020 I am excited to read this information! Thanks to everyone for your informative comments. My 9yo daughter has been dx'd as bi-polar, and that definitely fits. However, when she was IQ-tested, she was the highest the psychologist had ever seen verbally but 30 - 40 points lower in the other areas. I've been perplexed about that until now, and I look forward to pursuing the links and resources that have been suggested. I'm so glad (for her sake -- not always for mine!) that we're homeschooling! Additionally, I think I'll find that NLD fits for me, as well, and will explain a lot of my struggles as a very bright student who "never worked to her potential" in school. I am excited to read this information! Thanks to everyone for your informative comments.

My 9yo daughter has been dx’d as bi-polar, and that definitely fits. However, when she was IQ-tested, she was the highest the psychologist had ever seen verbally but 30 - 40 points lower in the other areas. I’ve been perplexed about that until now, and I look forward to pursuing the links and resources that have been suggested. I’m so glad (for her sake — not always for mine!) that we’re homeschooling!

Additionally, I think I’ll find that NLD fits for me, as well, and will explain a lot of my struggles as a very bright student who “never worked to her potential” in school.

]]> by: Pam http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11017 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:00:17 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11017 Carol - You're daughter sounds like mine! Almost 13 - 3rd year homeschooling. Can you please tell me what you are doing to help her learn how to read body language and voice/tone inflections? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Carol - You’re daughter sounds like mine! Almost 13 - 3rd year homeschooling. Can you please tell me what you are doing to help her learn how to read body language and voice/tone inflections? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

]]> by: Stacey http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11015 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 03:48:01 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11015 I feel somewhat relieved and also frustrated. My 10 year old has been struggling since she started school. She's a preemie. Her K teacher ignored me and dismissed my concerns. Her 1st teacher noticed it in the first 30 days of school and requested she be tested. It wasn't done until she was in 2nd. I already knew what they just found out. She was reading at a 6th level in 2nd, but doing math below 2nd. The disparity was not considered and she received no accommodations during testing. The school turned her down for services stating she is doing well in school and doesn't qualify. She is a loner, reads all the time and spends so much time completing homework or brings unfinished classwork home. After 2 psychologist, 2 neurologist giving "impressions" for ADD/ADHD, depression, dyscalculia and other LD, I was instructed to have her diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Has anyone taken this route? I feel somewhat relieved and also frustrated. My 10 year old has been struggling since she started school. She’s a preemie. Her K teacher ignored me and dismissed my concerns. Her 1st teacher noticed it in the first 30 days of school and requested she be tested. It wasn’t done until she was in 2nd. I already knew what they just found out. She was reading at a 6th level in 2nd, but doing math below 2nd. The disparity was not considered and she received no accommodations during testing. The school turned her down for services stating she is doing well in school and doesn’t qualify. She is a loner, reads all the time and spends so much time completing homework or brings unfinished classwork home. After 2 psychologist, 2 neurologist giving “impressions” for ADD/ADHD, depression, dyscalculia and other LD, I was instructed to have her diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Has anyone taken this route?

]]> by: Michelle http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11010 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 02:41:30 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11010 Is Anxiety associated with NLD? My son has Sensory Integration Dysfunction, high anxiety (especially fearful at night with difficulty falling asleep). It has been suggested that he may have Asperger's Syndrome but I'm wondering if it's NLD instead...or both! How can one tell the difference? Thanks! Michelle Is Anxiety associated with NLD? My son has Sensory Integration Dysfunction, high anxiety (especially fearful at night with difficulty falling asleep). It has been suggested that he may have Asperger’s Syndrome but I’m wondering if it’s NLD instead…or both! How can one tell the difference?
Thanks!
Michelle

]]> by: Valerie http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11007 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 02:18:12 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11007 Reading this reminded me of a workshop I went to in the fall. There was an excellent speaker on NLD. It seemed to describe so many of those students who couldn't be explained. Those with Asperger's or Autism at least had a "label", but now so do those "others" that we just have a hard time understanding. NLD is a relatively new term, I believe isn't it? There seemed to be a lot of physiological info given at the talk I attended. I must seek out my notes... Reading this reminded me of a workshop I went to in the fall. There was an excellent speaker on NLD. It seemed to describe so many of those students who couldn’t be explained. Those with Asperger’s or Autism at least had a “label”, but now so do those “others” that we just have a hard time understanding. NLD is a relatively new term, I believe isn’t it? There seemed to be a lot of physiological info given at the talk I attended. I must seek out my notes…

]]> by: Caryn http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11005 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 02:13:23 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11005 Hi Dore, Sorry in advance for a long post... My son was diagnosed with NLD when he was 9 years old. We saw a Pediatric Neurospychologist for a complete evaluation. I was already pretty sure that he had NLD so I made sure that the Doctor we saw was familiar with it. The testing ruled out certain things (i.e. ADD/ADHD) and also quantified my son's Verbal IQ vs. Nonverbal IQ (the gap between these is apparently a big indicator that NLD or another neurologically based condition could be present.) Solving the mystery of why my son seemed gifted in so many ways but challenged by things that come naturally to a lot of kids was a big relief. If you think your son has NLD characteristics I would encourage you to look at some of the books and websites that people have posted here to get more information. www.nldontheweb.org has a helpful forum too. Good luck! caryn Hi Dore,
Sorry in advance for a long post…

My son was diagnosed with NLD when he was 9 years old. We saw a Pediatric Neurospychologist for a complete evaluation. I was already pretty sure that he had NLD so I made sure that the Doctor we saw was familiar with it. The testing ruled out certain things (i.e. ADD/ADHD) and also quantified my son’s Verbal IQ vs. Nonverbal IQ (the gap between these is apparently a big indicator that NLD or another neurologically based condition could be present.)

Solving the mystery of why my son seemed gifted in so many ways but challenged by things that come naturally to a lot of kids was a big relief.

If you think your son has NLD characteristics I would encourage you to look at some of the books and websites that people have posted here to get more information. www.nldontheweb.org has a helpful forum too.

Good luck!
caryn

]]> by: Carol http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11004 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 02:03:37 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11004 Our 15 yr old daughter was diagnosed LD and ADD 10 years ago. A wonderful LD-R teacher identified her as NDL 6 years ago. We brought her home for school 8 years ago. (She was so distraught in school she wanted to end her life.) We supplemented home school with public school special ed, OT, PT services for 4 more years. She has flourished at home but it took time, patience and prayer. We were told in the beginning that we would need to help her learn how to handle all social situations. We took that seriously and it is working. She did not read until the end of 6th grade but benefited wonderfully from endless recorded books and books I read aloud. She now reads at level. Math & spelling are 4th grade but gaining ground very fast as is her handwriting. She loves vocabulary, history, art, libraries, and documentaries on any topic. 4-H has been wonderful for her. She has a few close friends her age but in general she has always done better with adults or much younger children. Socially she is still a few years behind. She is empowered to embrace the disabilities that make her unique and she is determined to do well in life. She is a very happy teenager but still learning how to read body language and voice tone/inflections. Thank you for the article - you described my girl. :) Our 15 yr old daughter was diagnosed LD and ADD 10 years ago. A wonderful LD-R teacher identified her as NDL 6 years ago. We brought her home for school 8 years ago. (She was so distraught in school she wanted to end her life.) We supplemented home school with public school special ed, OT, PT services for 4 more years. She has flourished at home but it took time, patience and prayer. We were told in the beginning that we would need to help her learn how to handle all social situations. We took that seriously and it is working. She did not read until the end of 6th grade but benefited wonderfully from endless recorded books and books I read aloud. She now reads at level. Math & spelling are 4th grade but gaining ground very fast as is her handwriting. She loves vocabulary, history, art, libraries, and documentaries on any topic. 4-H has been wonderful for her. She has a few close friends her age but in general she has always done better with adults or much younger children. Socially she is still a few years behind. She is empowered to embrace the disabilities that make her unique and she is determined to do well in life. She is a very happy teenager but still learning how to read body language and voice tone/inflections. Thank you for the article - you described my girl. :)

]]> by: Dore http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11000 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 01:38:36 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-11000 This sounds so much like my 5 yr. old son! He has sensory integration dysfunciton & is getting OT for that and his extremely poor fine motor skills. He's been tested for giftedness & has an exremely high verbalIQ in the gifted range, but is a full 30 points lower in the non-verbal areas. How do I get a non-verbal learning disability diagnosed? What kind of Dr. do we see? Also, what kind of treatment should we seek in addition to the OT? This sounds so much like my 5 yr. old son! He has sensory integration dysfunciton & is getting OT for that and his extremely poor fine motor skills. He’s been tested for giftedness & has an exremely high verbalIQ in the gifted range, but is a full 30 points lower in the non-verbal areas.

How do I get a non-verbal learning disability diagnosed? What kind of Dr. do we see? Also, what kind of treatment should we seek in addition to the OT?

]]> by: Malinda http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10995 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:55:52 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10995 Math and reading go slow and painfully for my daughter, yet somehow she succeeds and is able to maintain an A average. It takes her twice as long to complete these subject assignments, and often she ends up crying before she is done. She is easily distracted, and I think that's why it is such a difficult task to complete. Even though she makes good grades, could she still have NDL? Math and reading go slow and painfully for my daughter, yet somehow she succeeds and is able to maintain an A average. It takes her twice as long to complete these subject assignments, and often she ends up crying before she is done. She is easily distracted, and I think that’s why it is such a difficult task to complete. Even though she makes good grades, could she still have NDL?

]]> by: Sarah http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10993 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:47:16 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10993 My son fits the profile to a tee. His teachers are always on him about being lazy, but I know that he has the ability to be a success. He loves reading, he has become better with his writing skills, and he's knowledgeable in all areas except math and science. Those are his weaknesses and he hate to tell anyone thinking they might laugh at him or tell him that he's not trying hard enough. He has a major problem trying to make friends, he goes as far as becoming the class clown thinking this will help him make friends. This article has taken me in a whole different direction. Thanks My son fits the profile to a tee. His teachers are always on him about being lazy, but I know that he has the ability to be a success. He loves reading, he has become better with his writing skills, and he’s knowledgeable in all areas except math and science. Those are his weaknesses and he hate to tell anyone thinking they might laugh at him or tell him that he’s not trying hard enough. He has a major problem trying to make friends, he goes as far as becoming the class clown thinking this will help him make friends. This article has taken me in a whole different direction. Thanks

]]> by: Barbara http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10990 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:01:31 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10990 Another good reference is Helping a Child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome by Kathryn Stewart. ISBN-13 978-2-577224-277-7 I got this book at Borders Bookstore and it has been very illuminating. Good Luck! Another good reference is Helping a Child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder or Asperger’s Syndrome by Kathryn Stewart. ISBN-13 978-2-577224-277-7

I got this book at Borders Bookstore and it has been very illuminating. Good Luck!

]]> by: caryn http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10981 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:29:26 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10981 Elaina, It is wonderful that you are interested in more information about NLD related to the student in your class. Some excellent sources for information are: The Source for Nonverbal Learning Disorders by Sue Thompson www.nldontheweb.org Nonverbal Learning Disabilities at School by Pamela Tanguay. Thanks for caring enough to research NLD further. Your students will benefit! Caryn Elaina,
It is wonderful that you are interested in more information about NLD related to the student in your class. Some excellent sources for information are:

The Source for Nonverbal Learning Disorders by Sue Thompson

www.nldontheweb.org

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities at School by Pamela Tanguay.

Thanks for caring enough to research NLD further. Your students will benefit!

Caryn

]]> by: Elaina http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10969 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:47:43 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10969 I have a student who fits this profile. As a 'move-in' we haven't had opportunity to explore just why he is the way he is. I've been struggling with this boy for days, often with the resolve of: 'he's just immature and lazy'. Maybe not? Where can I find out more? I have a student who fits this profile. As a ‘move-in’ we haven’t had opportunity to explore just why he is the way he is. I’ve been struggling with this boy for days, often with the resolve of: ‘he’s just immature and lazy’. Maybe not? Where can I find out more?

]]> by: marion http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10963 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:55:30 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10963 my daughter is diagnosed with adhd and has some inconsistencies in her learning styles and abilities. she was tested last year, after begging her school district, and found to have difficulty with memory and self guided learning/independant reading and math computation, though her reasonng was above average (not too inconsistent with ADHD). Her social skills have always been on the "off" side, we always thought she was just immature and again, ADHD. Reading your article struck a cord though. i have always felt that "they-the docs" were missing something else, she didn't quite fit any of the catagories into which she was placed, though she most closely resembled adhd, meds havn't worked very well. it seems like we may need to re-investigate what is really going on. thanks for the info. marion my daughter is diagnosed with adhd and has some inconsistencies in her learning styles and abilities. she was tested last year, after begging her school district, and found to have difficulty with memory and self guided learning/independant reading and math computation, though her reasonng was above average (not too inconsistent with ADHD). Her social skills have always been on the “off” side, we always thought she was just immature and again, ADHD. Reading your article struck a cord though. i have always felt that “they-the docs” were missing something else, she didn’t quite fit any of the catagories into which she was placed, though she most closely resembled adhd, meds havn’t worked very well. it seems like we may need to re-investigate what is really going on. thanks for the info.
marion

]]> by: Leslie http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10961 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:49:31 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10961 Yes, many w/ AS are also dx'd w/ NLD. My own son JUST was dx'd with both last week - and from what I read kids w/ Asperger's commonly also have NLD... Yes, many w/ AS are also dx’d w/ NLD. My own son JUST was dx’d with both last week - and from what I read kids w/ Asperger’s commonly also have NLD…

]]> by: Cindy Elgamal http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10956 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:14:47 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/nonverbal-learning-disorder/#comment-10956 Any connection between NLD and Aspergers? Any connection between NLD and Aspergers?

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