How to Treat a Nonverbal Learning Disability

Nonverbal learning disability is a neurological disorder that causes deficits in interpersonal relationships and social skills, visual spatial organization and the ability to process nonverbal communication, like signs, symbols and body language. Although there is no cure for a nonverbal learning disability and the disorder does not tend to respond to medication, there are treatment options and strategies available to help children. Implementing such treatments and strategies will help them to cope better with their symptoms, both at home and at school.

Instructions

• 1

  Get an early diagnosis. As there is no classic or typical picture of a child with a nonverbal learning disability, diagnosis can be a complicated task. Furthermore, a nonverbal learning disability can resemble other diagnoses, such as Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Thus, a thorough diagnostic of testing is imperative to rule out other disorders and to start treatment as early as possible.

• 2

  Get support. At school it is vital that all the student's teachers are aware of his nonverbal learning disability and his specific strengths and weaknesses. An Individualized Educational Program can provide information on these areas for teachers and may also be helpful in setting short- and long-term goals for the student and providing resources for extra support, such as speech and language therapy.

• 3

  Facilitate social interaction. A social skills class map helps to overcome the communicative problems of a nonverbal learning disability, such as reading body language and understanding tone of voice. Structured and supervised activities at home or school, such as an after-school club or having friends over, may also be helpful in improving social skills.

• 4

  Consider therapy. Occupational therapy, for example, may help to teach nonverbal children essential daily living and educational skills -- like typing on a computer, cutting and folding -- or any other tasks that require visual, spatial or fine-motor skills. In addition, cognitive behavior therapy may be useful in helping children to develop techniques for coping with their symptoms.

• 5

  Develop routines. NLD children often struggle with organization, so develop routines to help overcome this obstacle. A weekly schedule with details of school assignments and activities, for example, may help children to better organize their time and prevent them from missing important deadlines and appointments.