Learning disabilities are common across people of all ages, but the large array of learning disabilities is not well known to most people. People typically associate speech and reading issues with learning disabilities, but don’t realize how many learning disabilities are classified as Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NVLDs). In regard to children, many may have standard verbal skills like reading and speech fluency, but still struggle in school and they do not understand why. Especially with younger children, reading is looked at as a base level of how well they are doing in school, but there is a possibility that a child who struggles could have a NVLD. Learning Disabilities are not limited to Reading and Speech, as they can also impact things such as Writing, Mathematics, Organizational Skills, and Comprehension Skills.
Verbal Learning Disabilities are most commonly known, but still have nuances that need to be looked for in order to determine whether or not a child might have a verbal learning disability. Some of the most common Verbal Learning Disabilities are as follows:
- Dyslexia – reading disability that affects the processing of written words
- Dysgraphia – writing disability that affects the written expression, along with writing, spelling and grammar
- Dyscalculia – difficulty processing, recognizing math concepts and symbols
- Language Processing Disorder – difficulty processing words, sounds, and stories
- Stuttering/Speech Impediments – difficultly with speech fluency and word pronunciation
Some of the commons signs to look for regarding Verbal Learning Disabilities are as follows:
- Reading Fluency Issues
- Struggles With Word Comprehension
- Minimal Vocabulary Skills
- Difficulty With Number and Letter Recognition
- Struggles With Spelling and Writing Skills
- Decoding
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities often go unnoticed, but may impact children more because they are not often recognized. Some of the signs of NVLDs are less known and can often be mistaken for other issues (i.e autism spectrum) a child could possibly be having.
Some of the most common signs of a potential NVLD are as follows:
- Reading Comprehension Issues
- Struggles With Understanding and Applying Mathematical Concepts
- Difficultly With Organizational Skills
- Lack Of Conversational Skills
- Anxiety
- Difficulty Understanding verbal cues when others are being sarcastic, joking, or not speaking in literal terms
- Spatial analysis
If you believe your child may be showing signs of a Verbal or Non-Verbal Learning Disability, contact our office for an evaluation to help your child reach their full potential.
Josh Tice
Psychometrician and Behavioral Technician