So what's the difference between non-verbal learning disability and Asperger's Syndrome? The NLD line defines non-verbal learning disability (NLD) as follows:
What is NLD? Nonverbal learning disorders (NLD) is a neurological syndrome consisting of specific assets and deficits. The assets include early speech and vocabulary development, remarkable rote memory skills, attention to detail, early reading skills development and excellent spelling skills. In addition, these individuals have the verbal ability to express themselves eloquently. Moreover, persons with NLD have strong auditory retention. Four major categories of deficits and dysfunction also present themselves:
•motoric (lack of coordination, severe balance problems, and difficulties with graphomotor skills).
•visual-spatial-organizational (lack of image, poor visual recall, faulty spatial perceptions, difficulties with executive functioning* and problems with spatial relations).
•social (lack of ability to comprehend nonverbal communication, difficulties adjusting to transitions and novel situations, and deficits in social judgment and social interaction).
•sensory (sensitivity in any of the sensory modes: visual, auditory, tactile, taste or olfactory)
*definition of executive functioning: Neuropsychological functions including, but perhaps not limited to, decision making, planning, initiative, assigning priority, sequencing, motor control, emotional regulation, inhibition, problem solving, planning, impulse control, establishing goals, monitoring results of action, self-correcting. From http://www.behavenet.com/
But these are all signs of AS, as well. A difference may lie in repetitive behaviors (including rigid adherence to routines, etc.) which is mentioned in DSM-IV as a hallmark feature of Asperger's (but I don't see it mentioned with reference to NLD. Also, with AS, we see early childhood signs reminiscent of autism (lack of engagement; rocking or flapping, and other "soft" neurological signs, such as walking on toes, etc.). My colleague, Linda Baker, says that NLD is the school system equivalent of DSM's AS diagnosis (i.e., same thing, different source). I've heard Tony Attwood say that the only difference is the spelling.
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