TPP 296: A Conversation with Dr. Marcia Eckerd on Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)

This week I'm talking about nonverbal learning disorder, also known as NLD or NVLD, with Dr. Marcia Eckerd. I learned so much from this conversation, including what NVLD actually is, examples of how it might show up in kids, and why it’s important to recognize if your child has NLD instead of thinking their behavior is the result of something else like ADHD or social anxiety. Marcia also shared how she works with families making sure the child’s self-esteem is taken into account and not making them feel they are less than others because they process things differently. 

Marcia Eckerd, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years’ experience. As a therapist and provider of neuropsychological evaluations, she identified and worked with many children with Non-Verbal Learning Disability. She serves on the CT Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Council and the professional advisory boards of SmartKidsWithLD and NeuroClastic.com, a nonprofit providing creative educational resources on autism. She has a regular blog on Psychology Today, “Everyday Neurodiversity” as well as writing professional articles on autism and articles for multiple websites and magazines on NVLD, autism, evaluations and executive functions, such as SmartKidsWithLD.org, Autism Parenting Magazine and Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism. She’s spoken extensively on NVLD and autism in national conferences for educators, clinical professionals and parents.A former Director of Clinical Programs at the New Learning Therapy Center, she also helped establish the Norwalk Hospital-Yale collaboration Pediatric Development and Therapy Center. She continues to be on the Associate Medical Staff at Norwalk Hospital.

Things you’ll learn from this episode

• How Marcia describes her work of being a “translator” between individuals with NVLD and the world around them
• What nonverbal learning disorder is and how it might show up in kids
• Why it’s so important to distinguish NVLD from things like autism, ADHD, or social anxiety
• Why prioritizing our kids’ self-esteem is so critical
• Why kids with NVLD might struggle when they get to middle school as their social and school life start to change
• The different executive functions that can be worked on alongside NVLD depending on what your child needs help with
• How to support your child with NVLD and the kind of support parents can look for

Resources mentioned for What is Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)

• Dr. Marcia Eckerd’s website
• Dr. Marcia’s blog on Psychology Today
• Are We Giving Autistic Children PTSD at School? 
• DSM / Social Communication Disorder
• Autism Level Up

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