Nonverbal learning disorder
The non- language learning disorder or nonverbal learning disorder (English Nonverbal Learning Disorder and Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD ) ) is a neuropsychological syndrome, which is characterized by specific abilities and deficits.
The Nonverbal learning disorder does not have an ICD -10 cipher. The classification should be based on the severity and markedness degree:
- ICD -10 F74 dissociated mental retardation
- ICD -10 F81.8 Other developmental disorders of scholastic skills
Because of the overlap for Asperger's syndrome also the following assignment is possibly conceivable:
- ICD -10 F84.1 atypical autism
Symptoms and complaints
The deficits heard inter alia, that no body language can be used or understood. These capabilities include early speech and vocabulary development, remarkable memory for rote learned, attention to detail, early reading development and excellent language skills. Additionally, these people have the linguistic ability to express themselves eloquently.
Moreover, persons with NLD have strong auditory memory.
It show the following main categories of deficits and disorders:
- Discrepancy between verbal and action part in the intelligence test ( in HAWIK discrepancy between high verbal part and significantly lower action part )
- Motor ( lack of coordination, severe balance problems and difficulty with handwriting )
- Visual-spatial - structuring ( lack of image, poor visual memory, faulty spatial perceptions, difficulties with executive functions and problems with spatial contexts )
- Social ( lack of ability to comprehend nonverbal communication, difficulties adjusting to changes and new situations and deficits in the assessment of social situations and social interaction)
- Sensory (over- or under- sensitivity to any of the sensory modes: visual, auditory, tactile, taste or olfactory )
Most Asperger's autistic individuals have a non-verbal learning disorder, but not all people with nonverbal learning disorder are autistic. However, the neurophysiological differences between Asperger's Syndrome and NLD are unclear.
Current conceptualization
Petermann, Knievel & Joiner (2010) and Carpenter et al. (2010, 2011) propose to drop the notion of non- linguistic learning disorder. Instead, they recommend focusing on impairments in visual information processing, as described by the Association of the Scientific Medical associates ( AWMF, 2009) is proposed. This approach is the currently prevailing in the German-speaking countries, as it was hardly released at the NLD. Essentially, it involves a subdivision of the visual- based symptoms in spatial- perceptual ( the recognition and assessment of distances, angles and positions ), spatial- cognitive ( perception excessive manipulation of spatial information, see about mental rotation and spatial- constructive ( implementation of the Presentation content or current visual information in tatsäche action in space, see for example Visuomotor ).
Causes
The cause of the non-verbal learning disorder neurological damage is suspected, possibly caused by damage in the white matter of the right cerebral hemisphere ( Rourke 1989).
Consequences and complications
A Nonverbal learning disorder leads already in kindergarten and at school to difficulties in the acquisition of knowledge, while playing, during exercise and in social behavior. The vocational training and exercise is limited. There may be difficulties with independent living; the acquisition of the license and driving a car are more difficult. The motor and balance problems can cause falls and accidents. The abnormalities of social behavior can lead to discrimination, social withdrawal, isolation and loneliness.
The good language skills, early literacy development, good memory for rote learned, attention to details and the eloquence may be able to hide the other deficits. Therefore, people are easily threatened with a nonverbal learning disorder of excessive demand by educators, teachers and trainers.
Treatment
A Nonverbal learning disorder can not be treated causally, you can try to treat the symptoms at most, tentatively with occupational therapy and physical therapy to improve motor skills and perception, social skills training to improve the social behavior and psychotherapy or talk therapy as psychological support.