Does anyone out there know anything about Nonverbal Learning Disability?

[Hovi]

I’m 66 and was diagnosed with ADD 7 years ago. It covered most of the symptoms, but not all. Medication seemed to help some but not consistent. Emotional control is a big problem for me. I went and was tested by a neuropsychologist, it was eye opening for me. The Nonverbal Learning disability diagnosis was unknown to me. Interesting is that people with NVLD frequently get diagnosed with ADHD. Additionally, medication for ADHD can make it worse.

I’m sharing my story in hopes of someone has heard of this or has struggled with this and can give me some feedback.

Thank you and stay well

[wtfadhd]

Hovi,Difficulties managing emotions is thought to be the most impairing symptom of ADHD. But it is not even one of the DSM diagnostic criteria to get the diagnosis!!!!! The correct term for it is RSD- rejection sensitivity dysmorphia/ disfunction. If you want more information on it then just google it- please let me n the other members know if that is what you are referring to?

and yes, stimulant meds for ADHD are not effective to treat social/ emotional issues that are so prevalent and impairing in ADHD.

[Hovi in reply to wtfadhd]

Thank you so much for responding. Actually it was my neurologist that sent me to the neuropsychologist for evaluation for RSD. It was after 6 hours of testing and talking the therapist told me I didn’t have ADHD rather NVLD.

[wtfadhd in reply to Hovi]

im wondering what your symptoms are/ were that led to ADHD diagnosis? Because you said that stimulant meds helped with those particular non emotional related symptoms, right? Does RSD and NVLD look similar?

[Hovi in reply to wtfadhd]

NVLD does share symptoms with ADHD, but it has specific symptoms that aren’t shared with ADHD. The emotional aspect is shared by both as is the organization challenges, as well as executive functions. It’s an interesting read about the similarities and differences. I’ve been on this quest to understand why I was different for 30 years, and was given just about every diagnosis out there without success. You can find articles online, For the first time I feel like I have a correct diagnosis and something to work with.

[wtfadhd in reply to Hovi]

yea, after reading your post I totally went down hyperfocuss rabbit hole on NVLD, lol. typical ADHD behavior, lol.

glad you are finding comfort with your new diagnosis and that things finally make sense to you. That is an amazing feeling for sure! Good luck on your journey and hope you find a good support forum for your NVLD symptoms. I personally get a ton of benefit from this ADHD support group. it was one of the members on this forum that taught me about RSD- i had went thru therapy for a solid year prior thinking i had borderline personality disorder( which looks pretty much same as RSD, but is caused by environmental factors and learned behavior rather than the genetic component of ADHD). Good Luck❤️

[Hovi]

Thank you, the best to you as well. It was very helpful to converse with you. Stay well

[milestogo]

My mother tutored kids with this diagnosis. I have heard of it, but don't know a lot about it as I was already out of the house when this became her specialty.