Children with nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD) have needs that can take many forms and may, over time, require consultation and collaboration with professionals from several fields. Given that multiple specialists may be involved in working with children with NVLD – as well as the array of treatment variables – even seasoned practitioners may find themselves in confusing situations. Treating NVLD in Children takes a developmental view of how the problems and needs of young people with nonverbal learning disabilities evolve and offers a concise guide for professionals who are likely to contribute to treatment. Expert practitioners across specialties in psychology, education, and rehabilitative therapy explain their roles in treatment, the decisions they are called on to make, and their interactions with other professionals. Collaborative interventions and teamwork are emphasized, as are transitions to higher learning, employment, and the adult world. Among the book’s key features are: A new four-subtype model of NVLD, with supporting research. A brief guide to assessment, transmitting results, and treatment planning. Chapters detailing the work of psychologists, therapists, coaches, and others in helping children with NVLD. Material specific to improving reading, writing, and mathematics. Overview of issues in emotional competency and independent living. An instructive personal account of growing up with NVLD. Treating NVLD in Children: Professional Collaborations for Positive Outcomes is a key resource for a wide range of professionals working with children, including school and clinical child psychologists; educational psychologists and therapists; pediatricians; social workers and school counselors; speech and language therapists; child and adolescent psychiatrists; and marriage and family therapists.

Although it has yet to be recognized by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD) in children are a growing concern. NVLD are receiving increased attention from researchers as well as from clinicians encountering these conditions in their young clients. At the same time, reliable information on effective interventions for NVLD has lagged behind this interest. Nonverbal Learning Disabilities in Children: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice offers a well-rounded understanding of NVLD, placing it within the context of other developmental disorders, most notably high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The most current genetic, environmental, and neurobiological theories of and research into the causes of NVLD (e.g., the “white matter model”), in-depth diagnostic methods, and quality interventions are examined. Using an evidence-based approach, this groundbreaking volume: Conceptualizes NVLD as a disorder with subtypes. Differentiates between diagnostic criteria for NVLD and Asperger’s Syndrome. Analyzes the co-occurrence of NVLD with other developmental disabilities and psychological disorders. Provides a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment model. Describes efficacious treatments and supports their empirical validation. Offers guidelines for sustaining treatment gains through effective collaboration of school personnel and family members. Nonverbal Learning Disabilities in Children is a must-have reference for researchers, practitioners, and graduate students in school and clinical child psychology, education, speech-language therapy, and other disciplines and professions involved in identifying and treating children with NVLD.

This unique volume explores issues related to working with children who have nonverbal learning disability (NVLD). It examines how a child’s psychology – thoughts, feelings, beliefs – affects his or her functioning and learning. In addition, the book addresses how a child’s experiences are processed through individual personality, psychology, culture, environment and economic circumstances, and family dynamics. Using these psychological organizing principles, the book describes how to work most effectively with young patients with NVLD. It offers a new model and definition for understanding NVLD, emphasizing its core deficit of visual-spatial processing. In addition, this book addresses efforts to rename NVLD to developmental visual-spatial disorder (DVSD). It describes the 11 possible subtypes as including a primary deficit in visual-spatial processes and impairment in several additional functional domains, including executive functioning, social/emotional deficits, academic achievement, and motor coordination. The book highlights the need for psychologically minded treatment and provides specific intervention guidelines. It details how to conduct the intake process and create a treatment plan and team and offers practical suggestions for working with a patient’s family members. In addition, the book addresses the importance of working with a consistent psychological theory, such as control mastery theory (CMT). It describes the Brooklyn Learning Center Model for treating NVLD and offers guidelines for interventions to support patients academically. The book provides a comprehensive approach to the neuropsychological assessment of NVLD as well as examples of visual-spatial, sensory perception, executive functioning, academics, social/emotional deficits and motor coordination interventions, and all forms used to gather information from patients. Key areas of coverage include: Definition of nonverbal learning disability (NVLD). Efforts toward inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and for renaming it to a developmental visual-spatial disorder (DVSD) Guide to general diagnostic testing and assessment. Developing a treatment plan and team for NVLD patients. NVLD therapy and tutoring priorities. NVLD and Developmental Visual-Spatial Disorder in Children is an essential reference for clinicians, therapists, and other professionals as well as researchers, professors, and graduate students in school and clinical child psychology, special education, speech-language therapy, developmental psychology, pediatrics, social work as well as all interrelated disciplines.

This essential book offers an accessible, evidence-based guide to Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) informed by the most current research, and clinical and educational practice. It provides a thorough explanation of the science behind the condition, alongside ideas, support, and practical tips for managing the everyday challenges of the disorder at school and in family life. Mammarella, Cardillo, and Broitman describe the main characteristics of the condition from both theoretical and practical points of view, as well as examining the similarities and differences between NVLD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. They explore the cognitive and academic weaknesses and strengths of children with NVLD, and the emotional and social difficulties they may experience. The book also provides a systematic review of scientific studies in this field whilst focusing on issues of diagnostic criteria, as well as assessment and intervention strategies. Practical examples are given for teachers and parents to help support children with NVLD in improving their visuospatial and motor skills, as well as peer-social relations, and in promoting the child’s individual abilities. Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disability is essential reading for parents and practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, and health and social care, and students in these fields.

Provides an overview of Asperger's Syndrome and nonverbal learning disorders, offers advice to parents on how to recognize the symptoms of the disorders, and suggests intervention strategies for addressing deficits in visual and spatial functioning, organizational skills, and information processing.

Increasing numbers of children and adolescents are being diagnosed with nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD), yet clinicians and educators have few scientific resources to guide assessment and intervention. This book presents up-to-date knowledge on the nature of NLD and how to differentiate it from DSM-5 disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder. Effective strategies for helping K-12 students and their families address the challenges of NLD in and outside of the classroom are illustrated with vivid case material. The authors thoughtfully consider controversies surrounding NLD, discuss why the diagnosis is not included in the current DSM and ICD classification systems, and identify important directions for future research.

"This book is a comprehensive reference source for emerging research in the identification, diagnosis, and intervention of nonverbal learning disabilities, featuring in-depth coverage on a variety of topics relating to intact nonverbal skills, Nonverbal Learning Disability indicators, disability manifestation, and the dilemmas faced by caregivers and professionals"--