Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) is sometimes called the “invisible” disorder because it so often goes undiagnosed. Children who suffer from NVLD are often very intelligent and might even be considered gifted early in their school life, particularly with their language and vocabulary skills. However, as the education continues, it may become apparent that they struggle in other areas. Because this condition is similar to other disorders, and because children may just be considered as “shy” or “difficult,” proper testing is important. Here’s what an NVLD neuropsychological evaluation involves.
Cognitive Assessment
Several cognitive faculties need to be looked at when assessing NVLD. Neuropsychological evaluation with cover things like verbal cognitive skills (e.g., language processing, verbal memory, vocabulary), and nonverbal cognitive skills (e.g., math, spatial memory, visual pattern recognition). Sufferers of the disorder will get normal to high scores in verbal tests, but low scores in some or all nonverbal tests.
Social Assessment
An NVLD neuropsychological evaluation will also cover social skills. Sufferers of NVLD have trouble processing facial expressions and body language. They find it more difficult to recognize the emotions of others, which can lead to behavior that is not typical of children their age. This is usually assessed by questioning the caregivers about the child’s friendships — does he make friends easily? Does he “fit in”? Does he have trouble trusting people?
Motor Skill Assessment
NVLD is often accompanied by poor motor skills. This may be assessed partly through questions to the caregivers of the child, or by inspecting samples of their handwriting, but also through tests conducted in-person in the clinic. These tests are made out to be challenging games for the child, such as threading beads onto a string or standing on one leg for as long as they can.
Mood
Sufferers of NVLD are prone to a number of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, an NVLD neuropsychological evaluation should include a battery of mood tests. Although these are not direct symptoms of NVLD and are not necessarily used to diagnose the condition, they may occur alongside NVLD, and it may be necessary to detect and treat both conditions together. To find out more, or to book an appointment Visit . You can also follow them on Twitter for latest news and update!
