Children with NLD translate all verbal information literally and therefore can often be scapegoats for other children once their peers mature and become adept at sarcasm and irony. If other children say words that are kind on the surface, children with NLD will take these statements at face value.
Treatment
The earlier a child is diagnosed with NLD, the better the prognosis. However, once diagnosed, there are several modifications that can benefit a child at any age:
Mainstream learning environment. Keeping children with NLD in a mainstream classroom will help further their social development. Continual non-threatening content with children their own age is essential.
Cooperative learning. Creating groups in school that contain students with NLD as well as those with regular verbal and social skills will help them recognize the natural flow of conversation – the “give and take.” Sustained regular conversation can positively impact your child in the future.
Extra time for transitions. Switching between different activities can be difficult for children with NLD. To make that task easier, give your children a bit more time to disengage and readjust between different parts of the day (between waking and school, between bath and bedtime).
Give encouragement.Children with NLD need a lot of verbal encouragement as they try to navigate a world they cannot fully understand. Verbally teach them, step by step, and as they master different skills, let them know that they were successful.
Routines. Because it’s hard for children with NLD to transition between activities, it helps them if their days are routine. This way, they can prepare for the switches.
Limit written work. Instead, work on oral comprehension. Then, introduce typing early, so they can express themselves in writing.
NLD affects so many different areas of a child’s life, but there are multiple ways to help your child overcome the disorder. The first step, however, is diagnosis. From there, you can learn all about the different methods to help your child express exactly what he is thinking!