NLD: Non-verbal Learning Difficulties

NLD (non-verbal learning difficulties) may occur with a number of neuro-developmental disorders, most commonly with Asperger's Syndrome. People with Tourette Syndrome may exhibit some of the symptoms of NLD to a greater or lesser extent. Children and adults in education may experience difficulties which can affect reading/writing and hence academic progress but unlike dyslexia these don't usually delay reading development. Individuals with NLDs / TS are often comparatively early readers and quickly develop an extensive vocabulary.


Symptoms and characteristics of NLD:

• Difficulty with recognition of emotions in other people & in expressing one's own emotions
• Difficulty with the appropriate use of touching others. When to do and when not.
• Misunderstanding or inability to respond appropriately to non-verbal communications.
• Maintaining attention in noisy/visually complex environments.
• Difficulty with remembering/recognising names, faces & locational navigation
• Difficulties with reading & writing quickly despite often having excellent language abilities & early reading abilities
• Often compensate for non-verbal difficulties with highly developed verbal abilities. Often rapid speech & too many words!
• Perception of the environment as chaotic & may attempt to take on too many simultaneous activities.
• Anxious about failure. Often over-compensate by doing too much too quickly and hence become confused with the complexity and magnitude of the tasks they are faced with