Unseen Struggles of Special Needs Families: Learning to tell THEIR Story

Struggles of Nonverbal Learning Disorders

Author note: Logan Waggoner. I am the Marketing Director for Children’s Behavioral Services, where we provide therapeutic services to children with special needs. Please note that I am not a medical professional or an expert in autism. For medical advice, consult your doctor. The content below is based on research and interviews with individuals experienced in the field of autism and other developmental diagnoses.

Learning to tell THEIR story...

Before starting my work at Children's Behavioral Services, I had been living rather naively. I knew I was a blessed parent to have two healthy boys to raise with only the typical parental worries like colds, flu, and sports injuries. However, being thankful for what I have did not excuse me from being so ignorant about the problems and challenges special needs parents face daily. My unfamiliarity wasn't purposeful. I have always been the kind of person who wants to help those in need, raise awareness about important issues, and participate in events that benefit people and families. All of this is to say that I was utterly ignorant about the many challenges that special needs parents face.

As the Marketing Director for CBS, part of my role is to deeply understand the core values that define our organization, and to make sure those values truly align with what matters most to the parents and families we serve. To do that well, I believe it’s important to step out of the marketing mindset and into real environments where I can listen, observe, and learn directly from the people at the heart of our mission.

Recently, I filled in as a receptionist at one of our clinics. As parents came through the door, I could immediately feel their emotional weight: their stress, worry, and exhaustion. Drop-off and pickup times are tough. They interrupt routine and require transitions, which are hard for any child, but especially challenging for children with special needs. Watching those moments unfold reminded me of when my boys were younger, and I had to leave them at daycare or preschool so I could get to work. I remembered their tears and the quick pep talks to get myself out the door. But I also remembered something I often take for granted: they could tell me what they were feeling, and they could recognize the reassurance I was offering. They could say they were scared. They could hear me when I told them it would be okay.

Many of the families we serve don’t get that kind of exchange. Their children may not yet have the words, tools, or ability to process what’s happening or express how they feel. That makes transitions—already emotional—so much harder. It’s something I thought I understood before. But sitting in that chair, greeting those parents face to face, made it real in a different way.

It was a humbling moment, and an important one. Because if our goal as an organization is to support families, then we have to see them first. And as someone tasked with telling our story, I need to make sure we’re also telling theirs.

Nonverbal Learning Disorders:

The Child Mind Institute explains that Nonverbal Learning Disorders

(NVLD) affect nonverbal ways of learning and communicating. Those diagnosed with NVLD typically have trouble recognizing social cues, understanding or recognizing patterns, and often find tasks or concepts that include steps or organization very challenging (Pietro). While struggling with social concepts and order of operations, children with NVLD are typically associated with having extraordinary memorization skills, which enable them to perform strongly with factual presentations and memory recognition. The source also mentions that children with NVLD are often diagnosed as late as 10 or 11 years old because educational applications become more about applying concepts rather than memorization (Pietro). Parents, teachers, and coaches begin to recognize nonverbal learning challenges in fifth graders due to the new skills and comprehension tests that are administered at school and through sports program training.

How can parents learn the early signs of NVLD?

It's important to note that not everyone with NVLD will present with the same signs or symptoms. However, research studies have discovered that commonly reported symptoms of those who have been diagnosed with NVLD are associated with having difficulty with the following (Tee-Melegrito):

• Problems with coordination and/or motor skills

• Trouble grasping social cues and conversational tones

• Not able to follow the instructional steps or organization

• Difficulty with patterns and comprehension

  
  

How are those diagnosed with NVLD affected?

As mentioned previously, every child with NVLD will experience different challenges. However, most will struggle to understand the underlying themes of stories or topics of conversation. Their inability to comprehend "the big picture" inhibits their understanding of abstract concepts like metaphors or identifying emotions or social behaviors like sarcasm (Tee-Melegrito).

How to help children with Nonverbal Learning Disorders

Recently, an excellent quote made its way into one of our staff meeting agenda notes and it applies here perfectly:

"If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn." - O. Ivar Lovaas

Using visual aids, clear and concise instructions, social role-playing, and hands-on practice to develop fine motor skills are all effective strategies to incorporate in helping children with NVLD. Physical Therapy can help address problems with motor planning, coordination, and balance, while Occupational Therapy may help them improve in the following areas:

• visual-spatial and visual integration problems

• handwriting

• gross and fine motor skills

• attention and other executive function skills

• behavior problems

  
  

Raising awareness about Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD) is an essential step in helping children with special needs lead fulfilling lives. By understanding the unique challenges these children face and recognizing the signs early on, we can ensure they receive the support they deserve. Therapies like Occupational and Physical Therapy can make a world of difference by improving key skills, such as motor coordination and sensory processing, while also boosting confidence and independence. With greater awareness and access to these helpful therapies, we can create a more inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Pediatric Therapy Services Offered Through CBS

References:

kristina@partnerstx.org. “Nonverbal Learning Disabilities.” Partners Resource Network, 17 July 2017, prntexas.org/nonverbal-learning-disabilities/.

Pietro, Sal. “What Is Non-Verbal Learning Disorder?” Child Mind Institute, Child Mind Institute, 2 Feb. 2016, childmind.org/article/what-is-non-verbal-learning-disorder/.

Tee-Melegrito, Rachel Ann. “What Are the Symptoms of NVLD?” Medicalnewstoday.com, Medical News Today, 23 Dec. 2022, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nvld-symptoms#social-communication.