How About That

Following an Internet link for Nonverbal Learning Disability, I came across a case study first published online in November 2004. It’s a really interesting article discussing the differential diagnoses involved when a child presents with symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disorder as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Copy and paste the link below for the full article:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/114/5/S2/1458#FN1

The doctors presenting the study offer a clear discussion of the differences and similarities of AS and NLD. As described by one author and in the DSM-IV, Asperger’s is characterized by “severe…impairment in social interaction, with…repetitive patterns of behavior.” NLD, on the other hand, is a neurological condition, involving dysfunction in the brain’s right hemisphere that causes deficits in “visual-spatial organization…motor functions, social skills and executive function.”

The “how about that” moment came when I realized one of the authors was the mother of one of my daughter’s classmates! I should really get in touch with her.