
ARTICLES FOR PARENTS

ARTICLES FOR PARENTS
NON-VERBAL LEARNING
DISABILITIES (NVLD or NLD)
DISABILITIES (NVLD or NLD)
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
for Smart Kids with LD
As with other learning disabilities, the evaluation for Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) involves a thorough history in addition to comprehensive neuropsychological testing. An NLD evaluation is best done by a psychologist familiar with NLD.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Teachers and school personnel often do not know about or understand NLD. It is up to parents to educate those who work with their children every day. Share basic information such as how NLD shows up in the classroom and on the playground, as well as strategies to help school staff address related issues.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Because nonverbal learning disabilities are not well understood, parents of kids with NLD challenges often feel alone and unsupported—even by those who should be natural allies such as family members, school personnel, and medical professionals. Rather than trying looking for help from those who aren’t willing to be educated, seek out people in your community who are experiencing similar struggles.
More About Marcia Eckerd
for Smart Kids with LD
Kids with NLD tend to have trouble with social rules. The challenges are often misinterpreted as problematic nonconformity, when in fact these kids just don’t “get” social customs. Understanding where the difficulties stem from and how to deal with them can help you help your child navigate social situations.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with NLD, tone of voice is one of many nonverbal cues that often elude them, leading to misinterpretation and miscommunication. Working with a professional can help them learn to better decipher the intonations of others as well as express themselves in a way others find easier to understand.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Although kids with NLD have many strengths, they often have social skill deficits. There are some simple techniques you can do to help your child develop the skills they need to manage social situations effectively.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Because students with NLD often excel academically, problems with language deficits may go undiagnosed. As academic demands increase, problems with comprehension and written expression may become apparent.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Challenges for parents of children with NLD include learning to manage inflexibility, preventing meltdowns, and navigating social awkwardness. Successful parenting strategies include communicating clearly, previewing situations, anticipating frustration, and reinforcing positive behaviors. Educating others about NLD is critical for those who interact with these children.
More About Marcia Eckerd
NON-VERBAL LEARNING
DISABILITIES (NVLD or NLD)
for Smart Kids with LD
When kids have learning, attention and executive-function challenges, parents often end up doing too much. Use these guidelines to transition from “enabling” to “abling” your child on their road to independence.
for Smart Kids with LD
As with other learning disabilities, the evaluation for Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) involves a thorough history in addition to comprehensive neuropsychological testing. An NLD evaluation is best done by a psychologist familiar with NLD.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Teachers and school personnel often do not know about or understand NLD. It is up to parents to educate those who work with their children every day. Share basic information such as how NLD shows up in the classroom and on the playground, as well as strategies to help school staff address related issues.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Because nonverbal learning disabilities are not well understood, parents of kids with NLD challenges often feel alone and unsupported—even by those who should be natural allies such as family members, school personnel, and medical professionals. Rather than trying looking for help from those who aren’t willing to be educated, seek out people in your community who are experiencing similar struggles.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Kids with NLD tend to have trouble with social rules. The challenges are often misinterpreted as problematic nonconformity, when in fact these kids just don’t “get” social customs. Understanding where the difficulties stem from and how to deal with them can help you help your child navigate social situations.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
For kids with NLD, tone of voice is one of many nonverbal cues that often elude them, leading to misinterpretation and miscommunication. Working with a professional can help them learn to better decipher the intonations of others as well as express themselves in a way others find easier to understand.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Although kids with NLD have many strengths, they often have social skill deficits. There are some simple techniques you can do to help your child develop the skills they need to manage social situations effectively.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Because students with NLD often excel academically, problems with language deficits may go undiagnosed. As academic demands increase, problems with comprehension and written expression may become apparent.
More About Marcia Eckerd
by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
for Smart Kids with LD
Challenges for parents of children with NLD include learning to manage inflexibility, preventing meltdowns, and navigating social awkwardness. Successful parenting strategies include communicating clearly, previewing situations, anticipating frustration, and reinforcing positive behaviors. Educating others about NLD is critical for those who interact with these children.
More About Marcia Eckerd