Spatial Network Connectivity and Spatial Reasoning Ability in Children with Nonverbal Learning Disability

Sarah M Banker,David Pagliaccio,Amy E Margolis,Elizabeth Rosen,Rachel Marsh,Lauren Thomas,Thomas Zeffiro,Anika N Sigel,Bruce Ramphal

doi:10.1038/s41598-019-56003-y

Sarah M Banker, David Pagliaccio + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56003-y

Copy DOI

Abstract

Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) is characterized by deficits in visual-spatial, but not verbal, reasoning. Nevertheless, the functioning of the neural circuits supporting spatial processing have yet to be assessed in children with NVLD. We compared the resting state functional connectivity of a spatial brain network among children with NVLD, children with reading disorder (RD), and typically developing (TD) children. Seventy-five participants (7–15 years old) were included in the study (20 TD, 24 NVLD, and 31 RD). Group differences in global efficiency and functional connectivity among 12 regions comprising a previously defined spatial network were evaluated. Associations with behavior were explored. Global efficiency of the spatial network associated positively with spatial ability and inversely with socioemotional problems. Within the spatial network, associations between left posterior cingulate (PCC) and right retrosplenial cortical activity were reduced in children with NVLD relative to those without spatial deficits (RD and TD). Connectivity between left PCC and right posterior cerebellum (Crus I and II) was reduced in both groups of children with learning disabilities (NVLD and RD) relative to TD children. Functional connectivity of the spatial network was atypically associated with cognitive and socioemotional performance in children with NVLD. Identifying a neurobiological substrate for NVLD provides evidence that it is a discrete clinical entity and suggests targets for treatment.

Highlights

Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in spatial, but not verbal, reasoning
To investigate whether the socioemotional difficulties observed in NVLD might derive from spatial processing deficits, the hallmark cognitive dysfunction in NVLD, the association between spatial ability (PIQ) and overall socioemotional functioning (CBCL Total Problems and Total Competence, normed t-scores) was evaluated
Across all participants, reduced spatial ability was associated with Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Total Problems (b = −0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.37, −0.07, t(68) = −2.910, p < 0.005) and Total Competence (b = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07, 0.37, t(66) = 2.90, p = 0.005) controlling for age, sex, and NVLD diagnosis

Summary

Introduction

Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in spatial, but not verbal, reasoning. To avoid behavioral confounds associated with differential group performance in spatial tasks, we elected to study the spatial network using resting state functional connectivity rather than task-fMRI. Children with RD have strengths in spatial reasoning[16,17,18,19] despite other learning deficits[20] Contrasting these groups allowed us to isolate functional abnormalities specific to NVLD from those associated with learning disabilities more generally. We hypothesized that spatial ability (as measured by Performance Intelligence Quotient [PIQ], composed of Block Design and Matrix Reasoning subtests) would be positively associated with resting state functional connectivity of the spatial network. We explored associations of socioemotional function (Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL], Total Problems and Total Competence subtests) with spatial ability (PIQ), and associations of both of these processes with spatial network connectivity in children with NVLD

Methods

Results

Conclusion