What is NVLD?

Gus Walz has become the center of media attention after his vibrant and heartfelt (he certainly brought us to tears!) reaction to his father’s acceptance speech for the vice presidential nomination at the at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August – making this 17-year-old one the most well-known young people with a Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD). Since being thrust in the spotlight, everyone is curious about NVLD.

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) can be a bit confusing, and there’s ongoing debate about what it really is. Some see it as a subtype of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), while others think of it as a separate condition or even question if it should be recognized at all.

Essentially, NVLD is a cognitive profile characterized by difficulties with nonverbal and visual-spatial skills, which are below a person's age expectation and verbal abilities. For example, someone with NVLD might find it hard to navigate or understand spatial relationships, which can make subjects like math, especially geometry, challenging. Additionally, people with NVLD might also face difficulties with more complex verbal tasks, such as reading comprehension or essay writing. This is because these tasks require the ability to piece together various aspects of information into a coherent whole—something that relies on the same integration skills that are implicated in NVLD. This is why NVLD is often linked to challenges with executive functioning (organizing information) and social interactions (integrating nonverbal communication to understand social nuance).

What can you do?

If you suspect your child might have NVLD, you may want to consider neuropsychological testing. This kind of evaluation, conducted by a neuropsychologist, involves a series of tests designed to assess various cognitive functions, including memory, problem-solving skills, and language abilities. It’s helpful to document specific concerns and behaviors you’ve observed, as this information will guide the evaluation process. Once you have the evaluation results, you can work with educators and therapists to create a tailored intervention plan to support your child’s unique needs.

Authored by Mind Chicago neuropsychologist Dr. David Meyerson