NLD.
Those three letters are the official opinion of the neuropsychologist that we enlisted to help us figure out what is so very different about how little Spence's mind seems to work.
Nonverbal Learning Disorder.
In the 4 hours since hearing this professional opinion, here is what I understand. He can learn something when he hears it, but is very hampered if it is seen or by visual clues. This includes picking up on tone of voice, facial expression, body language, pictures. It's a processing problem that also hampers seeing "the big picture" of a situation or the organization/structure of your situation. It certainly fits. Rules of the Game, as outlined by his brothers in play, require a degree of structure he has trouble following... and when they get frustrated, he doesn't pick up on any of the non-verbal clues until they are yelling at him and kicking him out of the game. Tears follow, and complete confusion as to why he is, again, the victim of their mean behavior.
The good news? She said he tested out to have one of the highest memory scores she is ever seen, and he is very smart. His verbal learning is excellent.
Not sure whether I am happy or sad about all of this. It's something I know nothing about. No one wants their child to have "a disorder," but if it means I can now help him, then hallelujah!
2 comments:
His wiring is different, now what can we do to help him get along with us "normal" people?
Interesting! I've never heard of that before. Like you said, I'm sure it's hard to think of one of your kids as having a "disorder," but in some ways having a label is good because it allows you to formulate a plan of action. We've all got stuff that makes us special or unusual, right? Most of us just don't have a name for it!
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