1. Difficulty understanding facial expressions, gestures, and body language:
People with nonverbal learning disability have difficulty recognizing or interpreting facial expressions due to a lack of processing the multiple cues associated with them (e.g., muscle movements of the eyes, mouth, eyebrows). In addition, individuals may struggle to understand nonverbal communication such as gestures and body language, which can lead to difficulties in social situations.
2. Issues with fine motor skills such as writing or tying shoes:
Individuals with NLD often have difficulty with tasks that require precise muscle control and coordination, like writing or tying shoelaces. This can make completing everyday tasks more challenging.
3. Poor social interaction skills such as difficulty making friends:
People with nonverbal learning disability may struggle in social settings due to their inability to interpret nonverbal cues and pick up on the subtle differences in speech tones (e.g., volume, pitch). As a result, they may find it difficult to form friendships and interact appropriately with peers.
4. Trouble following directions or problem solving:
Individuals with NLD may struggle to follow directions or solve problems as they are unable to interpret visual information such as charts and diagrams. This can lead to difficulties in school or at work.
5. Misinterpreting or misunderstanding sarcasm or jokes:
People with nonverbal learning disability often have difficulty understanding subtle forms of communication, such as sarcasm and jokes, due to their inability to interpret the cues associated with them (e.g., facial expressions and body language). As a result, they may misinterpret the meaning of what is being said.
6. Difficulty recognizing subtle differences in speech tones, including volume and pitch:
Those with NLD can find it difficult to recognize slight variations in speech tones such as volume and pitch, which can lead to difficulties in social interactions.
7. Issues with organization skills due to a lack of nonverbal cues to provide structure:
Individuals with nonverbal learning disability may struggle to stay organized as they are unable to use visual cues and body language for guidance. This can make it difficult for them to create schedules or prioritize tasks.
8. Problems interpreting visual information like maps, charts, graphs and diagrams:
People with NLD often have difficulty understanding visual information such as maps, charts and diagrams due to their inability to interpret the nuances associated with them. As a result, they may find it hard to comprehend complex concepts in subjects that require this type of information.
9. Inability to pick up on the emotional state of others:
People with nonverbal learning disability often cannot accurately interpret the facial expressions and body language of other people, which can lead to difficulties in picking up on their emotional state. As a result, they may find it difficult to connect with or empathize with others.
10. Difficulty managing time efficiently due to the lack of visual cues or structure:
Individuals with NLD tend to struggle in managing their time due to the lack of visual cues or structure. This can lead to issues such as procrastination and difficulty completing tasks on time.
11. Issues with spatial orientation and coordination, such as difficulty navigating in unfamiliar environments:
People with nonverbal learning disability may find it difficult to orient themselves in unfamiliar environments due to their difficulties with spatial coordination and navigation. This can lead to issues such as getting lost or being easily confused.
12. Struggles understanding abstract concepts and displaying creativity:
Individuals with NLD may face difficulties understanding abstract concepts or displaying creative thinking due to their inability to interpret the nonverbal cues associated with them. This can make it harder for them to comprehend complex ideas or come up with new solutions.
13. Challenges following conversations due to an inability to read nonverbal communication cues:
People with nonverbal learning disability are often unable to pick up on the subtle cues associated with conversations, such as facial expressions and body language. This can make it difficult for them to follow what is being said and contribute to conversations appropriately.
14. Difficulty learning a new language or using figures of speech:
Those with NLD may find it difficult to learn a new language or understand figures of speech due to their difficulties interpreting the nonverbal cues associated with them. As a result, they may struggle to acquire an understanding of the nuances and complexities of languages.
15. Inability to accurately read facial expressions or body language in order to determine someone’s true feelings or intentions:
People with nonverbal learning disability often struggle to interpret facial expressions or body language accurately, making it challenging for them to determine someone’s true feelings or intentions. This can lead to difficulty in social interactions and empathy.