Nonverbal Learning Disabilities in Children: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice

Although it has yet to be recognized by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD) in children are a growing concern. NVLD are receiving increased attention from researchers as well as from clinicians encountering these conditions in their young clients. At the same time, reliable information on effective interventions for NVLD has lagged behind this interest.

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities in Children: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice offers a well-rounded understanding of NVLD, placing it within the context of other developmental disorders, most notably high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The most current genetic, environmental, and neurobiological theories of and research into the causes of NVLD (e.g., the “white matter model”), in-depth diagnostic methods, and quality interventions are examined. Using an evidence-based approach, this groundbreaking volume:

• Conceptualizes NVLD as a disorder with subtypes.
• Differentiates between diagnostic criteria for NVLD and Asperger’s Syndrome.
• Analyzes the co-occurrence of NVLD with other developmental disabilities and psychological disorders.
• Provides a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment model.
• Describes efficacious treatments and supports their empirical validation.
• Offers guidelines for sustaining treatment gains through effective collaboration of school personnel and family members.

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities in Children is a must-have reference for researchers, practitioners, and graduate studentsin school and clinical child psychology, education, speech-language therapy, and other disciplines and professions involved in identifying and treating children with NVLD.

John M. Davis, Ph.D., is currently an Associate Professor at California State University, East Bay, and Chair of the Educational Psychology Department, where he teaches and supervises. He received his Ph.D. from the U.C. Berkeley School Psychology program and did clinical postdoctoral studies to become a licensed psychologist. He has a special interest in learning and developmental disorders having been the director of a school and clinic for students with learning disabilities for 13 years, which provided diagnostic and intervention services. His current clinical work is primarily with children and adults with learning disorders. His writing and research interests include articles and book chapters in the areas of mental health consultation, suicide/crisis intervention, and learning disorders.

Jessica Broitman, Ph.D., is the President emeritus of the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group and Executive Director of its Clinic and Training Center. She frequently  lectures on  Weiss’s Control Mastery Theory worldwide. Currently a psychoanalyst in private practice since 1980, she has worked with families who have learning disabled children for more than 10 years. She is currently involved in several research projects concerning the treatment and understanding of NVLD, and has a special interest in helping professionals and families understand and treat this disorder.