Nonverbal Learning and Communication Challenges

What are some challenges?

• Challenges with Big Picture Processing: Seeing entire concepts or ideas.

• Challenges understanding nonverbal communication: Expressing emotions, needs, personal space, and social expectations without words. Includes facial expressions (frowning), eye contact, body language (hand gestures), and actions.

• Challenges with non-literal language: Using words and phrases differently to add imagery or express emotions.

• Challenges with personal space: The space around someone.

• Challenges with social expectations.

What does this look like?

• Having to work harder to achieve the desired outcome. This can cause frustration and even giving up. Example: Being fired because you can’t complete a task on time.

• Your work demonstrates a lack of understanding.

• Difficulty with comparisons.

• Interests seem more appropriate for someone younger, and/or every conversation revolves around your current interests. For example, you like stuffed animals when the rest of your grade seems to have moved on.

• Difficulties in understanding and using eye contact. Eye contact reveals emotions and if someone is being honest.

• Difficulty understanding what other people mean. Example: Hearing “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” but interpreting it as an opinion and not a threat.

• Difficulty reacting appropriately in social situations. Example: Appearing not to listen when someone asks a question because they keep talking, not allowing the other person to continue.

• Difficulty with friendships and other relationships.

• Problems recognizing unsafe situations and relationships.

Possible diagnoses:

• Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD/NLD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including what was formally known as Asperger’s Syndrome

• Social Communication Disorder (SCD)

Possible Interventions

• Social skills training

• Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy

• School/Work

  • Using verbal strengths to learn skills and information.

  • Using verbal strengths to demonstrate understanding, such as oral testing in school (speaking instead of writing).

  • Consider occupations that rely on verbal strengths.

  • Other accommodations

Click on these links for references on interventions and conditions.