Non-verbal learning disorder: Neuropsychological profile and neural correlates. A structural magnetic resonance imaging study

Abstract

Non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD) is a neurological condition which is considered to be a learning disability. It is characterised by a specific dysfunction in motor, visuospatial and social skills in patients with a normal intellect and development of language. Warning signs in school are poor psychomotor coordination, arithmetic skills and drawing activities. Social judgment and social problem solving are also typically impaired. Furthermore, these patients seem to have increasing risk of emotional disorders. Most of imaging studies and current theories suggest that a dysfunction of white matter in the right hemisphere could be the cause. However, there is a lack of consensus among experts regarding whether NVLD exists and what could be the underlying causes for NVLD symptoms. The aim of this paper is to clarify the neural correlates underlaying the cognitive functioning of these patients. With this objective, we analyzed a sample of brains of children with and without NVLD. We used the structural MRI technique and the voxel-based morphometry analysis. The diagnosis of the children were based on neuropsychological data. The present study suggests that not only white matter of the right hemisphere is dysfunctional in these patients. Some other gray matter areas such as precuneus (superior parietal lobule) may also be affected in NVLD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.