NVLD has many symptoms in common with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it is not the same. Though both groups struggle with social skills, the reasons for it appear to be different. According to a recent study, the brains of people with NVLD work differently from the brains of people with ASD.
How NVLD and Autism are Similar
People with NVLD often behave similarly to people who have ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of autism). In fact, up to 80% of children who meet the criteria for an Asperger’s diagnosis actually have NVLD. Both groups are likely to struggle with the following:
- Making eye contact
- Reading facial expressions
- Understanding body language
- Using metaphors or figurative language
- Forming appropriate peer relationships
- Adjusting to change
- Seeing the “big picture” (scientists call this “an appreciation of the Gestalt”)
- Gross motor skills
How NVLD and Autism are Different
However, NVLD is not the same as autism. People with NVLD often struggle with spatial and visual processing in a unique way. While people on the autism spectrum are often quite good at reading maps, remembering images, or doing math, people with NVLD are likely to struggle.