NVLD and ADHD have some traits in common, but they are not the same. While both NVLD and ADHD cause problems with attention and organization, the reasons for these problems are different. Because of that, treatments that often work for ADHD are unlikely to help with NVLD.
What is NVLD?
NVLD, or nonverbal learning disorder, is defined by a gap between a persons’ verbal abilities and nonverbal abilities. People with NVLD usually read and speak well, and they often have a very good vocabulary. However, they struggle with nonverbal tasks like abstract thinking, reading facial expressions, making inferences, and reading maps and charts.
People with NVLD also struggle with executive functions like planning, organizing, and impulse control.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a very common developmental disorder. Children with ADHD often have trouble focusing, controlling their impulses, and staying organized. According to the CDC, a child with ADHD might:
- daydream a lot
- forget or lose things a lot
- squirm or fidget
- talk too much
- make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
- have a hard time resisting temptation
- have trouble taking turns
- have difficulty getting along with others
How are NVLD and ADHD similar?
NVLD and ADHD both cause problems with organization, focus, planning, and self-control. In other words, both groups struggle with executive functions. They might forget to do homework, lose assignments, and dawdle or show up late.
They also have a hard time tuning out things that are unimportant. For example, they may be easily distracted by background noise. Instead of listening to a teacher’s lecture, they might get distracted by what they see out the window, or what the other students are doing.
Additionally, both groups may have a hard time making friends and fitting in. Their impulsive behaviors can bother other kids and get them in trouble.
Finally, both students with NVLD and many students with ADHD struggle with fine motor skills like tying their shoes and writing neatly.
Because of these similarities, children with NVLD are often misdiagnosed with ADHD.
How are NVLD and ADHD different?
While the causes of both conditions are not fully understood, it’s clear that NVLD and ADHD are caused by different problems in the brain.
For the most part, students with ADHD struggle in school because they’re not paying attention. When they are able to focus, they’re able to do the same tasks as other students. But with NVLD students, it might be more accurate to say that they’re not paying attention because the task doesn’t make sense to them. This is especially true with higher-order tasks like abstract math and essay writing.
NVLD is also associated with lots of symptoms that aren’t part of an ADHD diagnosis. For example, people with NVLD may not understand body language and social cues, but people with ADHD can. NVLD also creates problems with spatial awareness, so it’s hard for people with NVLD to do things like judge distances or move around obstacles.
It’s also worth noting that, even though both groups struggle with fine motor skills, those with ADHD are good at more gross-motor activities and sports. This isn’t true for people with NVLD.
Treatment for ADHD vs. NVLD
ADHD is usually treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall can help improve attention in people with ADHD.
NVLD, however, does not usually respond to medication. Treatments include therapies like occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, and adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate NVLD.
Sources:
- Interview with Dr. Allyson Harrison, Associate Professor of Psychology and Clinical Director of the Regional Assessment & Resource Centre, Queen’s University
- The CDC’s literature on ADHD