Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities

Typically, they show:

1. Good reading ability
2. Very poor arithmetic ability
3. Excellent memory for things they hear
4. Poor memory for things they see
5. Great verbal expression and verbal reasoning
6. Problems with written expression (often because of poor handwriting)
7. Problems with sense of direction, estimation of size, shape, distance
8. Problems reading facial expressions, gestures, social clues, tones of voice

Chief Characteristics:

1. Tactile-perceptual deficits, usually on the left side of the body
2. Coordination difficulties, again often more marked on the left side of the body
3. Problems with visual-spatial organization
4. Reliance on rote behaviours (which may or may not be appropriate) in new situations
5. Trouble understanding nonverbal feedback in social situations
6. Problems with social perception, social judgement and social interaction
7. Distorted sense of time
8. Very strong rote verbal abilities (e.g. large vocabulary)
9. Reliance on language as the primary means for social relating, information-gathering and relief from anxiety
10. Difficulties with arithmetic and, later, with scientific concepts and theories
11. Inattention and hyperactivity earlier in childhood and social withdrawal and isolation later labeled lazy, dumb, careless, immature, or “not trying hard enough”