Abstract
Nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in visual-spatial processing but not in reading or verbal ability; in addition, problems in math calculation, visual executive functioning, fine-motor skills, and social skills are often present. To our knowledge, there are no population-based estimates of the prevalence of NVLD in community samples. To estimate the prevalence of the NVLD cognitive profile in 3 independent samples of children and adolescents from studies centered around brain imaging in the US and Canada. This cross-sectional study used data from 2 samples recruited from the community and overselected for children with psychiatric disorders (Healthy Brain Network [HBN], January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, and Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland Sample [NKI], January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2018) and 1 community-ascertained population sample (Saguenay Youth Study [SYS], January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2012) overselected for active maternal smoking during pregnancy. Prevalence of NVLD. Criteria for NVLD were based on clinical records of deficits in visual-spatial reasoning and impairment in 2 of 4 domains of function (fine-motor skills, math calculation, visual executive functioning, and social skills). Sample weighting procedures adjusted for demographic differences in sample frequencies compared with underlying target populations. Inflation factor weights accounted for overrepresentation of psychiatric disorders (HBN and NKI samples). Across 3 independent samples, the prevalence of NVLD was estimated among 2596 children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years (mean [SD] age, 12.5 [3.4] years; 1449 male [55.8%]). After sample and inflation weights were applied, the prevalence of NVLD was 2.78% (95% CI, 2.03%-3.52%) in the HBN sample and 3.9% (95% CI, 1.96%-5.78%) in the NKI sample. In the SYS sample, the prevalence of NVLD was 3.10% (95% CI, 1.93%-4.27%) after applying the sample weight. Across samples and estimation strategies, the population prevalence of NVLD was estimated to range from 3% to 4%. When applied to the US population younger than 18 years, 2.2 million to 2.9 million children and adolescents were estimated to have NVLD. The findings suggest that the prevalence of NVLD in children and adolescents may be 3% to 4%. Given that few youths are diagnosed with NVLD and receive treatment, increased awareness, identification of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, and development and testing interventions for the disorder are needed.
Highlights
Clinical interest in nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) dates back to 1967, when the disorder was first described.[1]
After sample and inflation weights were applied, the prevalence of NVLD was 2.78% in the Healthy Brain Network (HBN) sample and 3.9% in the Nathan Kline Institute– Rockland Sample (NKI) sample
The findings suggest that the prevalence of NVLD in children and adolescents may be 3% to 4%
Summary
Clinical interest in nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) dates back to 1967, when the disorder was first described.[1] Children with NVLD were identified as having deficits in visual-spatial abilities instead of more commonly studied language abilities. Reviews of the empirical literature[11,12] suggest that NVLD is best described by deficits in visual-spatial ability or a discrepancy between visual-spatial and verbal ability accompanied by problems in math calculation but not basic reading or spelling skills. Problems in visual-spatial memory, attention, visual executive functioning, fine-motor skills, and social skills are often present. This definition has been operationalized in previous empirical studies of the neuropsychological profile,[13] brain structure,[14] and function[15,16] of children with NVLD (Table 1)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
