Genius and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder - NVLD

I have worked with youth that have experienced "different" learning styles from the general American population, as well as with those that have demonstrated what is termed "learning disorders" and "learning disabilities." Sometimes, these are not real disabilities, but only individual differences. From this, we achieve the term "differently abled" when applied to some that seem to have learning disorders -- Some groups feel that there are no learning diabilities at all, but only differences in learning styles; however this may not be the case. Soem of these situations can benefit from professional intervention.

More and more learning disorders seem to be connected to neurology (study of the nervous system, including the brain). Links exist between ADD/ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, some aspects of several personality disorders, Tourette's Syndrome, and several other mental and physical health conditions.

Research is underway in America to examine all of these types of conditions and the underlying neurological functioning in order to better understand what we can do to manage them, treat them, or even prevent them. It is a complex and time consuming endeavor.

Non-Verbal Leaning Disorder (NVLD or NLD) is under investigation in the State of Michigan at Michigan State University. The Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology have joined to gather in cooperation to look at NVLD and its impact on our nation's youth.

At this time, children are being sought to participate in a controlled study that will help researches and doctors learn more about this condition and how to manage it.

NVLD Neuro-imaging Study

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Male youth ages 6 though 18.
2. Normally Developing or Socially Challenged, either one.
3. May have a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, NVLD, or ADHD.

Each accepted participant in the study will be given:

1) A Short Neuropsychological Screening activity and $60. This will be an examinationintelligence via an IQ score, executive brain functioning level, and the extent of visual-spatial development.

2) A brain scan (picture) to keep and $40. Thsi will consist of an MRI of your child and screening by a qualified, licensed radiologist.

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED BY THE STUDY:

1. Does your child have difficulty making and keeping friends?
2. What are the differences between "normally" developing children and those with difficulty in social development?

RESEARCHERS:

Dr. Semrud-Clikeman (517) 432-4212. Email: semrudcl@msu.edu

Dr. Fine (517) 353-5035

Michigan State University - Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry

NVLD is actually not a single condition or leaning disability, but a cluster of conditions that make up a a neurological syndrome.

Thus, it is a syndrome (set) of conditions and behaviors that is based in the neurology of a human being -- in the brain and nervous system, how it is put together, how it is developing, and how it is working.

NVLD has PLUSes and MINUSes. It is not all bad.

The PLUSes are called assets - 1) early speech, 2) early vocabulary development. 3) uncommon memorization ability and excellent verbal memory (hear it, remember it), 4) fine attention to detail, 5) early reading, 6) advanced spelling ability, and 7) almost adult verbal abilities in expression, even at a young age. Those having this syndrome look like geniuses and in some aspects, they are..

The MINUSes:

These are deficits and include 1) physical motor problems (coordination, balance, writing, and drawing); 2) visual-spatial-organizational (problems with images, little visual recall, inadequate spatial perceptions and relational concepts, and poor executive brain functions like logic, and decision making; 3) social (this is a big one) - inability to "get" nonverbal communication, inability to deal with change and newness, and poor social judgment & interactions; and 4) the senses oversensitivy to one or more of a) visual, 2) auditory (sounds), c) tactile, d) taste, or e) olfactory (smell).

Some of these "symptoms" do sound a lot like ADD/ADHD and Asperber's and other "lesser knowns" which are included in this definition of the syndrome -- REMEMBER! When a "normal" person is very tired, stressed, or has not had enough food, is dehydrated, is suffering electrolytic imbalance, is having an allergic reaction to something, or under several other circumstances (including possible brain tumor), some of these symptoms can occur to them - any of us - as well. so do not jump to conclusions - - Please consult a doctor.