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(NLD or NVLD)
What is Non-verbal Leaning Disability (NLD)?
Non-verbal Learning Disability (NLD or NLVD) is a neurological syndrome / developmental disability that
is characterized by a series of specific abilities and disabilities. People with NLD exhibit a lack of
coordination and balance, a lack of visual and spatial skills, a high level of sensory sensitivity, and
a distinct lack of social skills, particularly an inability to read non-verbal communication cues such as
facial expressions, body language and tone. At the same time people with non-verbal learning disability
tend to learn to read and speak early; have excellent vocabularies, spelling skills, and rote memorization
skills; and they often speak with great eloquence. As a result, NLD often goes undiagnosed or - worse -
children with NLD are thought to be "behavior problems" as many parents and teachers assume that a high
level of verbal ability should be a predictor of normal social interaction.
Non-verbal Leaning Disability (NLD or NVLD)
and Summer Camp for Children
Treatment for children with nonverbal learning disability typically focuses on interventions to help kids
better interact with others and become more self-sufficient. Activities and situations where kids receive
social skills training, proper communication cues, and emotional support are most helpful.
This is why sending a child with non-verbal learning disability to a summer camp that understands NLD can
be quite beneficial. The summer camp experience in and of itself is a social situation where social skill
development and communication are important parts of daily life. A child or teenager at the right summer
camp has a wonderful opportunity to learn and practice the social skills needed throughout his or her life.
The program at Camp Akeela is not therapeutic per se, but it offers a structured environment where life
skills, friendship development, respect for the community, confidence and fun are encouraged by caring,
knowledgeable experts and adults. Not all campers at Akeela have been diagnosed with non-verbal learning
disability. The small nurturing community Camp Akeela provides benefits all children who wish to improve
their social skills. To learn more about Camp Akeela's philosophy and program,
click here.
Additional Information on Non-verbal Leaning Disability (NLD)
The following sites are recommended for more information about Non-verbal Learning Disability (NLD):
Nonverbal Learning Disorders Association (NLDA)
www.nlda.org
NLDA is a non-profit corporation dedicated to research, education, and advocacy for nonverbal
learning disorders. The site contains support info, forums, research, events, and information.
NLD on the Web
www.nldontheweb.org
This comprehensive, award-winning website covers all aspects of NLD.
NLDline
www.nldline.com
Highly educational and thorough NLD website that's includes a section exploring the overlap
and difference between NLD and AS.
NLD Page at University of Michigan
www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/nld.htm
The University of Michigan's NLD page offers a concise overview of NLD with tips for parents on how
to help a child with a non-verbal leaning disorder.
Neurodiversity
http://www.neurodiversity.com
Neurodiversity is a website that honors "the diversity of human wiring," contains a large amount of online
information and links concerning a broad array of special needs.
NLD is considered quite similar to Asperger's Syndrome. For specific information on Asperger's
Syndrome, click here.
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