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What is NLD?
Nonverbal learning disorders (NLD) is a neurological syndrome
consisting of specific assets and deficits. The assets include early
speech and vocabulary development, remarkable rote memory skills, attention to
detail, early reading skills development and excellent spelling skills. In
addition, these individuals have the verbal ability to express themselves
eloquently. Moreover, persons with NLD have strong auditory retention.
Four major categories of deficits and dysfunction also present themselves:
•motoric (lack of coordination, severe balance problems, and difficulties with
graphomotor skills).
•visual-spatial-organizational (lack of image, poor visual recall, faulty
spatial perceptions, difficulties with executive functioning* and problems
with spatial relations).
•social (lack of ability to comprehend nonverbal communication, difficulties
adjusting to transitions and novel situations, and deficits in social judgment
and social interaction).
•sensory (sensitivity in any of the sensory modes: visual, auditory, tactile,
taste or olfactory)
*definition of executive functioning: Neuropsychological functions including,
but perhaps not limited to, decision making, planning, initiative, assigning
priority, sequencing, motor control, emotional regulation, inhibition, problem
solving, planning, impulse control, establishing goals, monitoring results of
action, self-correcting.
What is the importance of NLDline? NLDline has been developed in hopes of
increasing the awareness among parents and professionals about NLD. Early
intervention yields the best prognosis for these individuals, and it is
imperative to be educated about NLD in order to intervene at an early age.
Also, many individuals with NLD and related neurocognitive learning disorders
develop secondary neurobiological disorders - anxiety disorders, panic disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias and
depression, as well as suicidal tendencies. Because of the widespread lack
of understanding in all fields, many individuals with NLD are mis-diagnosed and
are therefore not currently receiving appropriate intervention and services.
What is the purpose of NLDline? Until Sue Thompson's LDA GRAM articles and
book on NLD.came out (original beta copy "I Shouldn't Have To Tell You!"
was first self-published in 1996), it was almost impossible to find practical
information concerning Nonverbal Learning Disorders. The response to her
book currently titled The Source for Nonverbal Learning Disorders published by
LinguiSystems, Inc., 800-776-4332, has been astounding. NLDline
understands how important it is for families of children diagnosed with NLD and
related disorders, educators who teach children with NLD, medical professionals
working with individuals diagnosed with NLD, and individuals with NLD who are
seeking support, to have access to as much information as is currently available.
In this book, and others recently published, you will find the support, hope,
affirmation, resources, and encouragement you are seeking with the information
presented at this site and in the links available from this site.
Where can I go from here? NLDline continues working on a national database
to network those parents, professionals and other individuals interested in NLD.
You can help by informing NLDline when you find an "NLD-knowledgeable"
clinic, neuropsychologist, advocate, tutor, doctor, occupational therapist,
speech pathologist, educational therapist or other professional who seems able
to help you out. In this way, your referral information can be passed on
to the next person who contacts this website from your area. Please feel
free to ask questions; e-mailing NLDline is a good way to communicate.
Please be patient. This is a volunteer effort and it is hard to keep up
with the tremendous amount of e-mail received. If you don't receive an
answer within 4 or 5 days, please try again. In the meantime, the
INFORMATION PACKET should give you a brief overview of some helpful NLD
hints.
Thank you for visiting this web site. And thank you to everyone who has
made a contribution to this site and to the understanding of NLD. Intense
gratitude is extended to all of the dedicated researchers, especially Dr. Byron
P. Rourke and his colleagues at the University of Windsor, whose work in the
field of learning disabilities has been instrumental in isolating the NLD
syndrome and in formulating the NLD white matter model.
PS As you browse through NLDline, remember that there is much still to
come. There are many areas that are still under construction, many that will
continuously be updated and others that are just being created.
DISCLAIMER: NLDline is designed for educational purposes only. The
contents of this website are not medical, legal, technical or therapeutic
advice and must not be construed as such. The information contained
herein is not intended to substitute for informed professional diagnosis, advice
or therapy. Visitors should not use this information to diagnose or treat NLD
without also consulting a qualified medical or educational professional.
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