Tag Archives: NVLD
Linda Karanzalis, MS, BCCS, Sheds Light on This Invisible Disability in Her New Book; Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood
The Price of Business Digital Network has a new series of outstanding commentaries from thought leaders. This is one in that series.
Symptoms of Nonverbal Learning Disorder : Linda Karanzalis Board-Certified Cognitive specialist, talks about the new book she published on NVLD, a little-known disorder Chris Rock recently revealed he was diagnosed with. Linda has worked with NVLD Symptoms in Children , teens, and adults with NVLD and neurodiversity for more than 25 years. As an author, podcaster, lecturer, an ambassador of the NVLD Project, and a person with NVLD Symptoms of Nonverbal Learning Disorder in Children, she provides validation, awareness, strategies, and, most importantly, compassion to the millions who live with this disorder. Find out more about her story and book at www.lindakaranzalis.com
NVLD Expert Linda Karanzalis, MS, BCCS
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LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW IN ITS ENTIRETY HERE: Identifying NVLD Symptoms in Children
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
Could You or Your Child Have NVLD? Demystifying This Little-Known Learning Disorder
INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.
Nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD):Recently, Kevin Price, host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, interviewed Linda Karanzalis, MS, BCCS, a leading expert on Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) and neurodivergence, as part of her ongoing commentary series.
The Linda Karanzalis Commentaries
Millions of intelligent individuals—children to seniors—struggle with a little-known, invisible neurodevelopmental communication disorder called Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD). These individuals, often high-achieving or with average to high IQs, face difficulties in social interactions and understanding nonverbal cues, despite their articulate nature.
NVLD is often misnamed, misunderstood, and frequently misdiagnosed, making accurate diagnosis critical for helping individuals reach their full potential.
Why Awareness of NVLD Matters
By learning more about NVLD, you can better support yourself, your children, students, patients, or colleagues who may be dealing with this condition. Listen to Linda’s commentary for valuable insights into this invisible disability.
About Linda Karanzalis
Linda Karanzalis, a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, a new book focused on NVLD and other brain-based challenges. Dr. Ned Hallowell, a world-renowned ADHD expert, has praised her work, calling it “vivid, compelling, and full of heart.”
Having NVLD and ADHD herself, Linda has spent over 25 years working with individuals of all ages who have NVLD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and are on the autism spectrum. As an author, speaker, and learning specialist, she offers validation, awareness, and compassionate strategies for thriving with neurodiversity.
Find out more about Linda’s journey and her book at www.lindakaranzalis.com.
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
For more great health and lifestyle content see here.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW IN ITS ENTIRETY HERE:
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
NVLD and Invisible Learning Disorders
According to a 2020 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), between 2.2 and 2.9 million children in the U.S. and Canada may have NVLD. Alarmingly, up to 50% of these children remain undiagnosed. The overlapping symptoms with other conditions like ADHD or mild autism (formerly known as Asperger’s syndrome) contribute to frequent misdiagnosis.
Causes and Symptoms
NVLD is believed to be caused by damage or irregularities in the brain’s right hemisphere, particularly affecting visual-spatial abilities. Research has shown that children with NVLD tend to have smaller splenia, a part of the brain’s corpus callosum, compared to those with ADHD or autism. The splenium plays a critical role in connecting the left and right brain hemispheres, essential for visual-spatial functioning.
Despite significant evidence, NVLD is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This exclusion adds to the difficulty of obtaining a proper diagnosis and special education services.
Understanding the Invisible Challenges
Most learning disabilities, including NVLD, are invisible. Unlike someone in a wheelchair, those with NVLD do not show any physical signs of their struggles. As a result, people may not adjust their expectations or offer support for socially awkward behaviors and nonverbal communication challenges.
The good news is that awareness of neurodiversity is growing. Society is becoming more inclusive, recognizing that being different isn’t a flaw—it’s simply another way of being.
Learn More
For those interested in learning more, Linda Karanzalis, a board-certified cognitive specialist, shares her personal and professional experiences in her book, Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood. As someone with both NVLD and ADHD, Linda has worked for over 25 years helping individuals with various neurodiverse conditions, offering validation, awareness, and strategies for thriving in today’s world.
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
Treatment approaches for NVLD and ADHD
Introduction to NVLD and ADHD
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) is possibly the most misunderstood and tricky-to-diagnose neurological disorder. Both NVLD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) share some symptoms, but they arise from different biological brain-based differences. So, how can you differentiate between the two, and how can you ensure that you or your child receives the correct diagnosis and treatment?
Prevalence of NVLD and ADHD
ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorders, affecting an estimated 5 to 8 percent of school-age children. In contrast, NVLD is much rarer, with estimates suggesting it affects less than 1 percent of the population. Individuals with both NVLD and ADHD often face challenges with attention, following directions, memory, and executive functioning skills. These difficulties can impact organization, time management, academic performance, social interactions, and daily life.
Key Differences Between NVLD and ADHD
While both disorders can create significant challenges, there are critical differences:
- ADHD Symptoms: Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulse control issues.
- NVLD Symptoms: Characterized by difficulties with nonverbal communication and visual-spatial skills. Poor visual-spatial skills may lead to problems with math, coordination, balance, and activities like swimming or playing sports.
Individuals with NVLD also struggle to process nonverbal communication cues, such as body language, facial expressions, gestures, sarcasm, tone of voice, and jokes. As a result, they often rely heavily on spoken language, interpreting it literally, which can lead to misunderstandings and perceptions of rigidity in their viewpoints and behaviors.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Because NVLD is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it is often mistaken for ADHD. If you or your child show signs of either disorder, seeking out a neuropsychologist experienced with NVLD is crucial for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and implementing appropriate treatments.
Treatment Approaches: There is no one-size-fits-all solution for NVLD. While some ADHD interventions may benefit those with NVLD, they are not comprehensive. Treatment options for ADHD often include behavior therapy and medication, whereas NVLD may require a combination of educational, occupational, speech-language, and psychological therapies. These interventions can help individuals learn to manage their challenges, improve functioning, and lead more productive and fulfilling lives.
About Linda Karanzalis
Linda Karanzalis, a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, a new book on NVLD and other brain-based challenges.
Dr. Ned Hallowell, a renowned psychiatrist and ADHD expert, praises Linda’s work, stating, “Linda’s book is vivid, compelling, full of heart and fresh understanding. Karanzalis replaces suffering with clarity and triumph for the millions of people with NVLD.”
With over 25 years of experience, Linda has worked with individuals of all ages facing NVLD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and those on the autism spectrum. As an author, podcaster, presenter, and ambassador for the NVLD Project, she offers validation, awareness, strategies, and compassion to the millions living with neurodiversity.
Find out more about Linda’s journey and her book at www.lindakaranzalis.com.
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
Masking To Fit in a Neurotypical World
Neurotypical vs. Neurodivergent
Neurodiversity and inclusive communication techniques:“Neurotypical” describes an individual with typical neurological development, while “neurodivergent” refers to people with brain-based conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and mental health conditions. These challenges can make it difficult for neurodivergent individuals to understand what neurotypicals are communicating.
Challenges of Neurodivergent Communication
Many neurotypicals have little understanding or experience interacting with neurodivergent individuals. As a result, they often interpret neurodivergent communication styles as rudeness or character flaws. Some of these behaviors include:
- Poor eye contact
- Interrupting
- Inappropriate laughter
- Speaking too loudly
- Literal interpretation of words
- Repetitive questions
- Invasion of personal space
- Blunt comments
- Tactless jokes
- Rigid thoughts or behaviors
These behaviors are often blamed on poor parenting, with assumptions that parents failed to teach manners or discipline their children.
The Invisible Struggles of Neurodivergent Individuals
If you are neurotypical, you’ve likely encountered frustration when communicating with a neurodivergent person without realizing it. Since there are no visible signs of neurodivergence, you might not have understood their behaviors and communication challenges. Neurodiversity and inclusive communication techniques Had you known, you might have approached the interaction with more patience and understanding.
In an ideal world, both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals would coexist in a way that respects and accommodates their differences. However, society often expects neurodivergent people to conform to neurotypical norms. This leads to a practice called “masking.”
The Consequences of Masking
Masking is a coping strategy used by neurodivergent individuals to appear neurotypical in social situations, avoiding rejection or bullying. It may involve imitating neurotypical behaviors, suppressing stimming (repetitive movements or sounds), or hiding sensory sensitivities.
While masking can help in certain situations, it is mentally exhausting for neurodivergent individuals who may not fully understand the social behaviors they are imitating. This often leads to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Celebrating Neurodiversity
Neurodivergent individuals struggle in environments designed for neurotypicals, but neurodiversity is not something that needs to be “fixed.” It’s about accepting and respecting the natural variation in brain functioning, celebrating strengths, and making room for accommodations.
Strategies for Better Communication
To communicate effectively between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, both parties need to be willing to make adjustments. Here are some strategies for bridging the communication gap:
- Use straightforward language: Avoid metaphors, idioms, and sarcasm. Be mindful that not everyone understands nonverbal cues like body language or tone.
- Be patient: Give more time for processing information when needed.
- Acknowledge different communication styles: Listening, taking notes, moving while talking, or using visual aids are ways people understand information differently.
- Avoid sensory overload: Bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells can overwhelm neurodivergent individuals, so try to communicate in calm, quiet environments.
- Be respectful and open-minded: Don’t make assumptions or judgments about someone’s communication style.
- Check for understanding: Periodically ask for clarification to ensure both parties are on the same page.
- Seek feedback: Ask how you can improve communication to better accommodate the other person.
Creating an Inclusive Society
Greater awareness and understanding of neurodivergence are essential for creating a more harmonious and inclusive society. Events like Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 13-19, 2023) are a great starting point for raising awareness. Founded by Siena Castellon, an autistic teenager with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to change the narrative around neurodiversity by highlighting strengths as well as challenges.
About Linda Karanzalis
Linda Karanzalis, a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist and the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, has been an advocate for neurodivergent individuals for over 25 years. As someone with NVLD and ADHD, Linda understands the struggles firsthand. She has dedicated her life to helping individuals with NVLD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and those on the autism spectrum.
Dr. Ned Hallowell, a psychiatrist and world-renowned ADHD expert, praises Linda’s work, saying: “Linda’s book is vivid, compelling, full of heart and fresh understanding. Karanzalis replaces suffering with clarity and triumph for the millions of people with NVLD.”
Learn more about Linda’s work and her book at www.lindakaranzalis.com.
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
Neurodiversity: Join the Movement!
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity and mental health is a concept that celebrates neurological differences as natural variations in the human population. Literally, neurodiversity means “differently wired.” This term reflects the brain-based differences that make neurodivergent people think, learn, behave, and work differently from the majority of the population, known as “neurotypicals.”
Key Differences Between Neurotypicals and Neurodivergent Individuals
Neurodivergent individuals may have conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), language processing disorder, and auditory processing disorder. They may also struggle with challenges related to executive functioning, socialization, communication, and visual/spatial processing. Additionally, some neurodiverse individuals deal with epilepsy, Tourette’s syndrome, and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Misunderstandings and Discrimination
Neurotypical individuals often have expectations about how others should behave and function. When these expectations are not met, neurodiverse individuals may be misunderstood and labeled as lazy or unmotivated, leading to discrimination. For instance, an autistic person might struggle with making eye contact or interpreting social cues, which can be wrongly perceived as rudeness or disinterest.
The Origins of Neurodiversity
The term “neurodiversity” was coined by Judith Singer, an Australian sociologist with autism, in a 1998 thesis paper. Singer compared the oppression of neurodiverse individuals to the historical marginalization of women, LGBTQ people, and nonwhite ethnic minorities. Her work sparked the Neurodiversity and mental health acceptance movement, which advocates for embracing individuals’ unique attributes rather than expecting them to conform to societal norms.
Complementary Cognition and Problem-Solving
Helen Taylor, Research Director at the Human Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Strathclyde, expanded on Singer’s work by introducing the concept of complementary cognition. Taylor’s research suggests that human brains have evolved to develop various skills that, when combined through collaboration, lead to better problem-solving outcomes. Her hypothesis is supported by cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary research.
Benefits of Recognizing Neurodiversity
Recognizing and embracing neurodiversity reduces the stigma, rejection, isolation, and discrimination experienced by many Neurodiversity and mental health individuals. As neurodiverse individuals feel more accepted, their levels of anxiety, shame, and low self-esteem decrease. By viewing neurological differences as normal rather than abnormal, we acknowledge that neurodivergent individuals can be just as intelligent and capable as neurotypicals.
Contributions of Neurodivergent Individuals
Many neurodiverse individuals have been misunderstood and excluded from classrooms, sports, and jobs. Yet, their unique abilities, such as out-of-the-box thinking and innovative problem-solving, can greatly benefit society. For example, people with autism often possess exceptional attention to detail, visual thinking abilities, and logical reasoning, making them well-suited for careers in science, technology, and the arts. Famous inventors, scientists, and artists believed to have been neurodivergent include Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, and Emily Dickinson.
Accommodations for Neurodivergent Individuals
Changes in education and employment law have paved the way for accommodations, allowing neurodivergent individuals to access the same opportunities as others. These accommodations are tools that level the playing field, not special privileges. Cultural shifts are also evident in the increasing representation of neurodiverse characters in books, films, and television.
The Importance of Teaching Neurodiversity to Children
As a society, we must continue to promote the acceptance of neurodiversity. Teaching children to work collaboratively, respecting each other’s strengths, will prepare them to thrive in a neurodiverse world. By offering each child the opportunity to contribute, we can create better outcomes for everyone.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
A great way to begin embracing neurodiversity is through Neurodiversity Celebration Week, held from March 13th to 19th. This year’s event features 24 separate activities, including panel discussions and webinars on topics such as language, culture, design tech, and justice-related issues.
Learn More About Neurodiversity
For more information on neurodiversity, check out my new book, Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood.
About Linda Karanzalis
Linda Karanzalis, a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, a new book on Nonverbal Learning Disorder and other brain-based challenges.
Dr. Ned Hallowell, a psychiatrist and world-renowned ADHD expert, praises Linda’s work:
“Linda’s book is vivid, compelling, full of heart and fresh understanding. Karanzalis replaces suffering with clarity and triumph for the millions of people with NVLD.”
Linda, who has NVLD and ADHD herself, has worked for more than 25 years with individuals of all ages who have NVLD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and those on the autistic spectrum. As an author, podcaster, presenter, learning specialist, and ambassador for the NVLD Project, she provides validation, awareness, solutions, strategies, and, most importantly, compassion to the millions who live with neurodiversity.
Find out more about her story and book at www.lindakaranzalis.com.
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
What You Can’t See Can Hurt
The Hidden Struggles of NVLDers
Challenges of Nonverbal Learning Disorder :Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) often goes unnoticed because individuals with NVLD typically exhibit exceptional verbal communication skills. However, their struggles with nonverbal communication—such as body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice—can lead to significant misunderstandings, especially in interactions with neurotypical individuals. This discrepancy lays the groundwork for various challenges, including mental health issues, workplace stress, and even physical health concerns.
Misunderstandings and Mislabeling
The term “nonverbal” can be misleading, suggesting that individuals with NVLD lack the ability to communicate verbally. On the contrary, many NVLDers possess extensive vocabularies and strong expressive language skills. Challenges of Nonverbal Learning Disorder reality is that their difficulties with day-to-day functioning can be inconceivable to others. Many NVLDers feel like the “walking wounded,” often slipping through the cracks of support systems, leading to pain and rejection despite their parents’ best efforts to help.
The emotional toll on both NVLDers and their families can be profound, resulting in increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Many children with NVLD continue to live at home as adults, struggling to gain independence and requiring ongoing support.
The Prevalence of NVLD
Despite the significant challenges faced by NVLDers, many remain undiagnosed. According to a study published in the April 2020 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), an estimated 2.2 to 2.9 million children in North America may have NVLD. The overlap of symptoms with other disorders, such as ADHD and autism, often leads to misdiagnosis.
Professionals frequently overlook NVLD due to its exclusion from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This lack of recognition complicates the ability to secure necessary educational services and insurance reimbursement, leaving many individuals without the support they desperately need.
The Need for Understanding and Acceptance
Just as society accommodates individuals with physical disabilities, it’s essential to foster understanding for those with NVLD. There is no visible indicator, like a wheelchair, to signal the challenges faced by NVLDers. As a result, their social awkwardness can lead to judgments of laziness or lack of motivation, exacerbating their struggles with depression, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy.
These challenges can create a cycle of learned helplessness, broken relationships, and ongoing therapy with little to no results. Many NVLDers begin to question their sanity and self-worth, wondering why they are consistently underestimated.
The Path Forward
In my book, Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, I delve deeper into these issues, shedding light on the hidden challenges faced by a Challenges of Nonverbal Learning Disorder NVLDers and offering insights for those affected. If you believe you or a loved one may have Nonverbal Learning Disorder, I invite you to explore the strategies for success I discuss in the book.
A Call for Awareness
As a society, we must work towards greater awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity. Understanding that neurological differences are not flaws but natural variations can significantly impact the lives of those with NVLD. By fostering inclusive environments and implementing appropriate accommodations, we can help neurodiverse individuals thrive alongside their neurotypical peers.
Conclusion
The journey for NVLDers is often fraught with obstacles, but with greater understanding and support, we can bridge the communication gap and create a more inclusive world. Let’s work together to celebrate and support the diverse ways in which we think, learn, and communicate.
About the Author
Linda Karanzalis, a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, a comprehensive exploration of Nonverbal Learning Disorder and other brain-based challenges. Dr. Ned Hallowell, a renowned expert on ADHD, praises Linda’s work as “vivid, compelling, and full of heart.” With over 25 years of experience, Linda provides validation, awareness, solutions, and compassion to the millions living with neurodiversity. Discover more about her journey and book at www.lindakaranzalis.com.
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
Leveling the Playing Field for the NeuroDiverse Community
Introduction
Supporting Neurodiversity in Education and Employment In a recent episode of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, host Kevin Price welcomed Linda Karanzalis, MS, BCCS, a recognized expert on Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) and neurodiversity. This conversation is part of an ongoing series aimed at raising awareness and understanding of neurodiversity as a natural and valuable aspect of human existence.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity celebrates neurological differences, framing them as natural variations rather than deficits or disorders. It encompasses various conditions, including autism, NVLD, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome.
The Impact of Discrimination
Linda discussed how neurodivergent individuals often face discrimination, which manifests in various settings, including:
- Education: Traditional classrooms may not accommodate the unique learning needs of neurodivergent students, leading to lower academic achievement and a lack of support.
- Employment: Employers frequently lack understanding of neurodiversity, making it challenging for neurodivergent individuals to find and retain jobs. This misunderstanding can hinder their potential contributions to the workforce.
- Social Interactions: Stigma surrounding neurodiversity can isolate individuals and foster negative attitudes toward their differences.
Creating an Inclusive Society
Linda emphasized the importance of recognizing neurodiversity as a natural aspect of the human experience. Challenging discriminatory attitudes and behaviors is vital in fostering a more inclusive society that appreciates the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their neurological characteristics.
Conclusion
Linda Karanzalis is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, a book that explores NVLD and other brain-based challenges. With over 25 years of experience, she provides validation, solutions, and compassion to those living with neurodiversity.
For more insights into Linda’s work and her book, visit Linda Karanzalis’s website.
#nvld #nonverballearningdisorder #learningdisabilities #neurodivergent #autism #adhd #neurodiversity #inclusion #specialneeds #adhdsupport
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
Could You or a Love One Have NVLD?
Excerpt from the new book Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood; Recognizing and Coping with NVLD from Child hood through Adulthood
Throughout my childhood and early adult years, my parents, teachers, friends, and others would get mad at me for the things I did without knowing any better. Thankfully, before my diagnosis, I had figured out ways to not only cope but remediate some of my difficulties, which I’ll talk about later on in the book.
People were often puzzled by my responses and reactions, which seemed off base compared to what actually happened or to what was being communicated. This led them to think I was not listening. Much later, my parents understood and felt bad for not knowing I wasn’t intentionally misbehaving. The root cause was my inability to interpret and process nonverbal communication.
Just like you can’t read without learning the alphabet, you can’t understand what others are communicating without interpreting nonverbal cues. Reading nonverbal communication isn’t a subject taught in school. It’s assumed that most people learn nonverbal and social communication automatically and intuitively through visual observation and role-modeling of others, a process that begins in early childhood and continues throughout the school years.
One of the things I really struggled with was reading facial expressions that were neutral—also referred to as a “resting face”—and showed very little to no emotion. Unlike my peers, I wasn’t able to intuitively and effortlessly gauge a person’s mood, the setting, or the situation and adjust my behavioral responses accordingly. My mind was flooded with endless questions I couldn’t answer. Did I do something wrong? Are they mad at me? Why am I being ignored? Am I wanted here? Should I stay or leave? What happened? What did they mean when they said that? What should I have done instead?
When I couldn’t figure out what had happened or what was expected of me, I assumed I was responsible for the feelings of others and blamed myself. It was easier to withdraw socially than to be misunderstood. It’s like being told the color you see as red is blue. I lived with chronic anxiety, feeling as if the ground beneath my feet was unstable and shaky, as if I were walking on Jell-O.
Many times, when I asked my mother if she was mad at me, she would say, “No.” After some time passed and I still couldn’t figure out what was going on, I would ask again, “Are you sure you’re not mad at me?” This cycle would repeat itself. Each time, I would change the words, but, essentially, I was just asking the same thing over and over again in different ways. When she asked me, “Why do you think I’m mad?” I would give her a list of reasons: “You’re not talking to me; you sounded angry; you said this, or you didn’t say that…” I could be relentless and get on her last nerve until she was at her wit’s end! When she finally reached her breaking point, she would yell at me to stop asking her. Once I understood she was not upset about me or about a specific issue, I’d calm down.
To help yourself or your child, role-play a conversation where you prepare the person you will be talking to in advance by saying, “I process language differently so I may need to stop you when you are in the middle of speaking to be sure I comprehend what you’re saying or to clarify by asking you questions. You may feel as if I am not listening or am being rude. Be assured it’s none of these things. I just want to make sure we understand one another so I can respond appropriately.”
Reflective listening is another tool that can be used for neurodivergents (those think, learn, and do things differently) than neurotypicals (the majority of the population who communicate in the same way) to better understand each other.
Excerpt from my new book Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood; Recognizing and Coping with NVLD (nonverbal learning disorder) from Childhood through Adulthood. If you think you or a loved one may have NVLD or to learn more of my strategies for coping, read more …
#nvld #nonverballearningdisorder #nonverballearningdisability #learningdisabilities #aspergers #neurodivergent #autism #adhd #neurodiversity #anxiety #inclusion #adhdawareness #specialneeds #adhdsupport #adhdwomen #adhdmom
Linda Karanzalis, Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, a new book on Nonverbal Learning Disorder and other brain-based challenges.
Dr. Ned Hallowell, a psychiatrist, world-renowned expert on ADHD, and the New York Times best-selling author of Driven to Distraction says, “Linda’s book is vivid, compelling, full of heart and fresh understanding. Karanzalis replaces suffering with clarity and triumph for the millions of people with NVLD.”
Linda, who has NVLD and ADHD, has worked for more than 25 years with individuals of all ages with NVLD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and those on the autistic spectrum. As an author, podcaster, presenter, learning specialist, and ambassador for the NVLD Project, she provides validation, awareness, solutions, strategies, and, most importantly, compassion to the millions who live with neurodiversity. Find out more about her story and book at www.lindakaranzalis.com.
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
School Daze How I Graduated College With Honors
For students with brain-based learning challenges like ADHD and NVLD, excelling in school can be an enormous challenge. I want to share with you some of the tips and tricks I used to graduate with honors to become to get a master’s degree in brain-based education.
Find the Best Instructors for Your Learning Style
An instructor can make or break your success. First, try to determine if the instructor is open to students with learning disabilities and understands their needs for accommodations, such as additional time to take tests. Some professors who “don’t believe” in accommodations will shame students who ask for them in front of their classmates.
It was crucial for me to have professors who were passionate about their subject and skilled in their delivery of course content and materials. I made it my business to talk to other students about the instructors they had in the classes I needed to take. I wanted to know about the instructor’s grading system: do they give pop quizzes? Base tests on class notes or textbooks? Expect frequent participation in class? Assign group projects?
Pace Yourself
Instead of taking five classes a semester, like most of my peers, I took four to reduce stress and to give me the extra time I needed to focus and determine my own pace. I also took one course each summer. When I had courses that were difficult for me, I took them along with less demanding electives to allow me to focus better on the more strenuous classes.
Grade Point Average (GPA) and the Pass/Fail Option
It was important to me to have a high GPA so I chose the pass/fail option for math classes whenever I could. Instead of getting a grade for the class, you pass the course with a grade of D or higher without affecting your GPA. However, if you don’t pass, your GPA will be affected by having a zero added to it.
Dropping Classes
The add/drop process allows you to withdraw after the class starts as long as you meet the cutoff date. This gave me enough time to see how I was doing in class. If I was heading toward failure, I would withdraw. It wouldn’t count toward my GPA and appeared as a W, for withdrawal, on my transcript.
Early-Morning Classes
I had a terrible time getting up, and I hated taking early-morning classes. People with ADHD often have interrupted sleep patterns, and it takes longer for their brains to wake up. NVLDers and NDs have a higher rate of depression, which also makes getting up and out of bed difficult.
To work around this, I enrolled in as few morning classes as possible, but there were classes I needed that were only offered in the early mornings. To get to 8:00 a.m. classes, I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. and immediately guzzled a bottle of caffeinated iced tea that I had put next to my bed the previous evening. I took my shower the night before and—get ready for this; it’s a doozy— I slept in the clothes I would wear the next day. I know, crazy, right? I wore a clean T-shirt and leggings to bed. In the morning, I’d put on my socks and sneakers and a head- band. Finally, I would grab my book bag and energy bar and head off to class looking like I had just come from the gym!
Note-Taking
I created blank outline forms to use during class lectures. Filling in the blanks helped me to structure and organize topics with supporting details. Otherwise, I’d try to write down everything the instructor said, and I’d wind up with a bunch of notes looking like “chicken scratch.”
Recording Class Lectures
Some instructors allowed me to record class lectures. Find out if there is a schoolwide policy about recording lectures or if it is up to the individual instructors.
There are, of course, dozens more strategies, tactics, software, and apps that can help students, and I will share some more of my own in another post.
This column is an excerpt from Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, my new book. If you want to learn more about the secrets to my college success, click here. Or check out my blog here.
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Linda Karanzalis, Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, a new book on Nonverbal Learning Disorder and other brain-based challenges.
Dr. Ned Hallowell, a psychiatrist, world-renowned expert on ADHD, and the New York Times best-selling author of Driven to Distraction says, “Linda’s book is vivid, compelling, full of heart and fresh understanding. Karanzalis replaces suffering with clarity and triumph for the millions of people with NVLD.”
Linda, who has NVLD and ADHD, has worked for more than 25 years with individuals of all ages with NVLD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and those on the autistic spectrum. As an author, podcaster, presenter, learning specialist, and ambassador for the NVLD Project, she provides validation, awareness, solutions, strategies, and, most importantly, compassion to the millions who live with neurodiversity. Find out more about her story and book at www.lindakaranzalis.com.
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Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
