Introduction
The brain is a complex organ that plays a significant role in thinking, reasoning, and many other functions of the body. The brain is divided into two halves - the right and left hemispheres. Each hemisphere is in charge of the opposite side of the body. For example - the right brain controls the left hand.
The two hemispheres are divided by a structure called the corpus callosum, which enables the communication between the two hemispheres. The right brain has more expressive and creative tasks than the left brain. The abilities of the right brain include creating music, appreciating the color, imagining, recognizing the face, and expressing emotions.
What Is the Right Brain and Its Functions?
The brain controls several body processes, including perception, sensory, and actions. The brain is made up of 100 billion neurons. The neurons are the functional units of the brain. The neurons transmit electrical and chemical impulses (information) to all the nerves in the body. The left and right hemisphere of the brain has different functions.
The right side of the brain is responsible for spatial thinking, image processing, and body movement. The two hemispheres of the brain are connected through nerve fibers. The right-brained people are creative, intuitive, imaginative, and free thinkers. The right-brained people see things as a whole and are more interested in patterns, shapes, and sizes. The right brain is associated with the ability to sing, write poems, and paint. They deal with deeply fascinating components.
What Is the Role of the Right Side of the Brain?
The brain's right hemisphere controls the imagination and ability to interpret and visualize. The right brain contributes to emotional intelligence, which includes the ability to understand and be empathetic toward others. The right brain is dominant in these processes. The right brain deals with non-verbal communication, such as art, music, creativity, and imagination. The characteristics of the right brain include the following-
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Emotions guide them.
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Easy with arts, crafts, and creativity.
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Good imagination.
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They ease in warm climates.
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Emotional intelligence.
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They visualize big pictures instead of focusing on the details.
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Visualization and innovation.
What Is Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)?
A non-verbal learning disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It usually occurs in children and is very hard to diagnose. People with non-verbal learning disorders have difficulties with visual-spatial skills compared to verbal abilities. They have problems socializing and managing time, usually skills associated with the brain's right hemisphere.
Scientists have discovered that this condition is caused due to damage in the white matter of the brain’s right hemisphere. It is often misdiagnosed as panic disorder or anxiety attack. The children have difficulty in tactile or visual abilities, psychomotor or spatial skills, social or emotional skills, and cognitive skills. They have trouble processing information that is not written or spoken.
The skills and abilities affected due to this condition are described below-
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Tactile Skills - Tactile perception is called touch perception. The brain can understand information through touch. NVLD children have difficulty identifying something by touch.
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Visual Abilities - It is known as visual-spatial intelligence. It is the ability to imagine the position of objects and shapes in space. The NVLD children have trouble processing information in the visual field.
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Psychomotor Skills - They are primarily movement-oriented skills such as manipulation, coordination, grace, and strength. They are cognitive and motor skills. NVLD-affected individuals have trouble with motor skills.
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Social Skills - They have difficulty interacting with people. Interacting appropriately with their peers is difficult for a child with NVLD. Emotional-well being is inconsistent because of their deficits.
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Cognitive Skills - The brain uses core skills to think, read, learn, remember, reason, and pay attention. Generalizing information is nonexistent and mental flexibility is impaired in individuals with NVLD. Executive functioning and the ability to organize are also affected.
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Spatial Skills - The ability to remember, understand, and reason spatial relations among space and objects.
What Are the Causes of Non-verbal Learning Disorders?
The causes of non-verbal learning disorders are:
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The exact cause of NVLD is unknown. Still, the disorder is believed to be related to the brain's right hemisphere.
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An imaging study of children with NVLD showed that differences in white matter in the cerebellum could contribute to social cognition and the pathophysiology of NVLD.
What Are the Characteristics of Non-verbal Learning Disorder?
The characteristics of non-verbal learning disorders include:
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Inability to perform physical activities like writing, climbing, or jumping.
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Often bump into objects or people around them.
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Lack of fine motor skills, such as using pencils and drawing with crayons or scissors.
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Difficulties in performing daily activities, for example, wearing clothes.
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People often need help with mathematical reasoning.
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Trouble adjusting to social interactions and having conversations.
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Problems with pattern recognition and reproduction.
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Problem analyzing time, space, distance, and speed concepts.
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Have short-term and long-term visual memory.
What Is the Treatment for Non-verbal Learning Disorders?
NVLD (non-verbal learning disorders ) does not respond to medication, and unlike other learning disabilities, it is not covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). So the child with NVLD may not qualify for an individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 Plan unless they have another diagnosis or disability. There is no standard treatment for NVLD, but there are interventions and strategies that can help. It may include-
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Physical Therapy - It can improve strength and balance.
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Social Skills Training - The training will help children with trouble interpreting facial expressions or understanding language. It helps the child learn to stay safe around strangers, make friends, and recognize when they are insulted or teased.
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Sensory Integration Therapy - This therapy uses games to improve the child’s sense of touch, movement, and body position.
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Academic Tutoring - Tutoring can help the child improve in complex subjects, such as visual-spatial math.
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Record Classroom Lectures - Recorded lectures can be played at home to stimulate learning.
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Preparing The Child for Big Changes or Transitions - Children with NVLD may struggle to adapt to new situations. It is important to discuss upcoming changes in advance (such as a big trip, changing classrooms, or moving to a new home).
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Pay Attention to Their Words - Some children with NVLD may not understand idioms, sarcasm, body language, or tone changes.
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Avoid Burnout - Children with NVLD can become overwhelmed during the day, particularly if their routine is broken. One must be sure they have the time and space to slow down and do quiet activities.
Conclusion
Children with NVLD may have an excellent vocabulary, memory, and decoding skills but need help solving problems that don't involve written or spoken language. In addition, they need help seeing the bigger picture and staying organized in terms of time and space. While no specific medical intervention exists for NVLD, numerous strategies and interventions can help optimize the strengths and develop the more challenging skills.
