NVLD and Subtypes

Historically, Rourke (1985, 1991) and others (Drummond, Ahmad, & Rourke, 2005; Harnadek & Rourke, 1994; Johnson & Myklebust, 1967; Pennington, 1991) spent a significant amount of time clarifying the differences between what are often referred to as verbal or phonologically based learning disorders and nonverbal learning disorders. More recently, some theorists have suggested that, as with many developmental disorders, NVLD should be considered as a disorder with different subtypes (Davis & Broitman, 2007; Forrest, 2004; Grodzinsky, 2003; Mamen, 2006). This notion fits with our clinical experience. This chapter reviews the most recent developments in the understanding of NVLD as a disorder with multiple subtypes or components.