Profiles in Nonverbal Learning Disability, Academic Skills, and Psychiatric Diagnoses in Children

Is there clinical heterogeneity in nonverbal learning disability (NVLD)?In this cross-sectional study including 180 children, 3 NVLD profiles emerged: (1) broad visual-spatial deficits with inattention, aggression, and poor reading comprehension; (2) isolated deficits in visual-spatial index, no math problems, high anxiety, and low specific learning disorder rates; and (3) deficits in Fluid Reasoning Index, math problems, and good reading skills. A fourth profile was characterized by broad, nonspecific weaknesses, spanning verbal and visual-spatial domains.These findings suggest that NVLD has significant clinical heterogeneity and some children with broader deficits extending beyond the visual-spatial domain may merit reconsideration for a diagnosis; understanding the patterns of strengths and weaknesses can improve treatment research.

Corresponding Author: Amy E. Margolis, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, 376 W 10th Ave, Prior Hall, Suite 260, Columbus, OH 43210 (amy.margolis@osumc.edu).

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