Lisa Barrett Mann, M.S.Ed. 

What is Nonverbal Learning Disorder?

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (or Nonverbal Learning Disabilities) is not considered an autism spectrum disorder. However, it is a developmental disability that has sometimes been described as "Asperger Syndrome without the special interests." 

Like those with AS, children with NLD typically have:

• Normal to high IQs
• Good vocabularies
• Good attention to detail, but trouble getting "the big picture"
• Difficulty interpreting nonverbal communication (facial expression, body language, etc.)
• Poor social skills
• Difficulty with abstract reasoning
• Difficulty handling changes in routine or unpredictable events
• Great difficulty generalizing information from one situation to another

Children with NLD can often benefit from the same strategies as those used for children with Asperger Syndrome, i.e., cognitive-behavioral interventions, social skills training, and structured teaching techniques.