Nonverbal Learning Disorder, or NVLD, can be subtle, particularly during the early years of a child's school experience.  Typically, children with this form of learning disability have normal or strong verbal skills, and are quite able to learn the basic reading, spelling, and writing skills that are a primary focus of instruction during the early grades.  Math may be challenging, however.  There may also be delays in social skill development and overall maturity.  Some children have weak fine motor skills.  Others may have trouble adapting to new situations and accommodating change.  A few children with more significant issues in these areas may be mistakenly thought to have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and some children who do have Autism also have NVLD.  

However, NVLD may become evident for the first time at the middle or high school level, when the abilities to organize information, apply concepts to new situations, and problem solve become much more important.  Trouble with noticing relationships and patterns, difficulty seeing the "big picture" rather than over-focusing on details, and inductive reasoning problems can also occur.  These issues can affect almost any academic skill area, and can lead to difficulties with reading comprehension, organization in writing, the acquisition of math concepts, and social adjustment in and outside of school.   Some individuals with NVLD exhibit problem behaviors, while others are prone to anxiety and depression. Accompanying attention issues are common, though the student may or may qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD.  Often, students with NVLD also have issues with executive functioning, such as planning, organizational skills, and the ability to think flexibly.  Accurate diagnosis is key.