Right Brain Vs Left? 

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD)

Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) is a recognized clinical entity, but the understanding of which is still difficult (1). It is believed to be a developmental disorder affecting primarily the right hemisphere. It could also be a perinatal or infancy trauma (2). However, NLD is not recognized in the DSM-5.

Common symptoms

• Disturbances of visual spatial skills
• Attention deficit in visual or tactile presentation
• Weak bilateral coordination
• Various disorders of social and physical behaviour
• Difficulties in mathematics
• Slowness in processing  requests
• Difficulties in processing new information

Assessment and intervention

The neuropsychological assessment will determine if it is NLD or, for example, ASD or even a language disorder. There is no specific care program for these children, but the interventions will aim to help them develop the best tools to compensate for their weaknesses by using their strengths helping them to develop their visual analysis and other global strategies. Information, cognitive flexibility, mental imagery and also the better understanding of social cues. Means of accommodation specific to the child's needs can therefore be put in place to support him.

References  

1. Francine Lussier, Eliane Chevrier, Line Gascon. Neuropsychology of children and adolescents. Developmental and learning disabilities. 3rd edition. s.l.: Dunod, 2017.

2. Vicki Anderson, Elisabeth Northam, Jaxquie Wrennall. Developmental Neuropsychology, A clinical approach, second edition. s.l.: Routledge, 2019.