Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
A Clinical Perspective
Joseph Palombo (Author)
The effects of nonverbal learning disabilities on a child's social and emotional development.
A nonverbal learning disability (NLD) is a developmental disorder
that impairs a person's capacity to perceive, express, and understand
nonverbal (nonlinguistic) signs. The dysfunctions affect behaviors,
social interactions, perceptions and feelings regarding oneself and
others, and emerging personality patterns. NLD constrains an
individual's capacity to function in a wide variety of domains,
including the academic, social, emotional, and vocational. Parents and
clinicians often have difficulty understanding and helping children and
adolescents who are simultaneously cherished and whose functioning is
hampered by the condition.
Based on current neurobehavioral research, this book brings together
perspectives drawn from the three major domains of knowledge about
NLD—neurobehavioral, social, and intrapersonal. From the
neurobehavioral perspective, Palombo provides a research-based
phenomenological description of the NLD child's symptoms. From the
social perspective, he presents the child's social context and how that
contributes (in positive and negative ways) to the child's skills and
deficits. From the intrapersonal perspective, he introduces the concept
of mindsharing as basic to understand the development of the sense of self in children with NLD.
In Part I, readers are introduced to NLD as it presents in the
clinic with a review of the etiology and symptomatology of the syndrome
reflected in a case study. The author then goes on to describe the
neurobehavioral profile of NLD (including its psychological and social
dimensions). In Part II the social perspective and intrapersonal aspect
of NLD are considered. Palombo describes the impact of the syndrome on
social functioning, social communication, and emotional functioning. At
the close of this part, readers find a clear articulation of the four
NLD subtypes.
The intrapersonal area is addressed in Part III where Palombo
presents the concept of mindsharing—i.e., the ability of one person to
both know and feel what another person is experiencing. Because they
lack a capacity for mindsharing, children and adolescents affected by
the syndrome often fail not only a social and emotional connection with
others but also experience a lack of cohesion in their own sense of
self. Finally, in Part IV, Palombo presents a therapeutic approach to
working with youth with NLD. Drawing together the various clinical
insights from earlier in the book, these last chapters synthesize the
material and highlight the most important aspects so as to best guide
the treatment of children and adolescents.
Addressed to clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical
social workers, and other psychotherapists, this book is a fund of
knowledge and clinical wisdom for working with youth with NLD. It
offers an overarching paradigm relevant to all professionals and
parents alike as they care for effected children and adolescents.
Book Details
- Paperback
- March 2006
-
ISBN 978-0-393-70478-5
- 6.1 × 9.3 in
/ 352 pages
- Territory Rights: Worldwide
Endorsements & Reviews
“Palombo is an experienced clinician, and his text is rich in clinical
examples that provide valuable word pictures of the disorder and its
impact on children's social functioning, interpersonal behavior, and
subjective experience.” — PsycCRITIQUES
“This is an intellectually stimulating book which made me reflect upon
my daily practice of assessing complex children who are often 'in the
mix' of many overlapping difficulties.” — The Psychologist
“Palombo focuses on work with children, but the therapeutic goal of
promoting cohesion in self narratives is relevant to all persons with
NLD. The book is valuable as well for assessment professionals. It
identifies subtypes of NLD, differentiates NLD from Asperger's
syndrome, and includes an excellent summary of the social-emotional
symptoms of NLD in the appendix.” — Psychiatric Services
“Comprehensive, insightful, and practical, Joe Palombo's new book, Nonverbal Learning Disabilities,
will enable mental health professionals and educators to better
understand the inner life of children with learning challenges.
Remarkable in its clinical scope and depth, it provides thoughtful
descriptions of the different ways in which these learning challenges
affect children and their families—ranging from daily learning and
social interactions to the deepest feelings and sense of self.” — Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, George Washington University Medical School
“Nonverbal Learning Disabilities is a well-integrated
exploration of a fascinating and complex topic. A serious scholar and
compassionate therapist, Palombo combines his considerable clinical
experience with research from neuroscience and psychopathology to
expand our understanding of learning disabilities and provide us with
practical intervention strategies. Palombo rewards readers with a deep
understanding of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities and clear insight into many relevant areas of research. This book educates, elucidates, and inspires further exploration.” — Louis Cozolino, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Pepperdine University, and author of The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy
“This is a book for anyone who is interested in learning about the true
nature of nonverbal learning disability. Joseph Palombo is one of the
early pioneers in the study and treatment of children with this
disorder. He knows and understands them as only an involved clinician
can, and this expertise shows in his clear descriptions of what NLD is
and how it interferes with children's attempts to make satisfactory
lives for themselves. I believe that this book will become the standard
in the field for those seeking to understand this debilitating
disorder.” — Steven Nowicki, Ph.D., Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology, Emory University
“[A] major contribution to the understanding of not only children with
nonverbal learning disabilities, but also those with ADHD or Asperger’s
disorder and other children who lack social skills. The author has made
the effort to integrate neuroscience and behavioral science. The
results show all professionals and parents how to help these children
with special needs.” — Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
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