Similarities and Differences – NLD v.s. AS | Articles

Similarities and Differences - NLD vs. AS

(Nonverbal Learning Disorder - NLD - v.s. Asperger's Syndrome - AS)

The ASers profile of neuropsychological assets and deficits (Forrest) is very similar to the NVLD profile described by Rourke (1995). Both have neuro-developmental abnormalities involving functions of the right cerebral hemisphere. (Brumback, et. al.) In both disorders, there is no delay in cognitive development and speech. In fact, early verbal ability is one of the hallmarks of NLD; NLDers are often extremely verbal and early readers. Asperger's Syndrome has been conceptualized as a "Non-Verbal Learning Disability" (Klin, et al., 1995). A comparison of NLD and AS individuals revealed 20 out of 21 similarities, including a verbal over spatial discrepancy. (Klin, et al., 1995). Both Brumback and Vacca consider Asperger's Syndrome an extreme form of Nonverbal Learning Disability (Brumback, et. al.; Vacca, 2001).

Both NLDers and ASers seek out social interaction, yet are not accepted by their peers. A related problem shared by both disorders is the inability to perceive or understand nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions or body language. They're oblivious to nuances of facial expressions, body language, and appropriate spatial distance. For example, normal people (NT's) use eye contact appropriately and understand that you can tell how someone feels by looking at their face. Such cues are "invisible" to those with AS/NLD. They can't perceive subtle differences in facial features, tone of voice, and gestures that make up nonverbal communication.

For both NLDers and ASers, the largest problems are in the area of social relationships, whether at work or at home. They're often misunderstood. They're accused of rudeness, laziness, lack of caring, or a poor attitude. Exclusion and rejection become part of life. They can't "connect" socially. Wanting to make friends and fit in, but unable to, they may respond by withdrawing, "acting out" with emotional outbursts, or refusing to cooperate. Living with this social disability and constant rejection often leads to uncertainty, confusion, insecurity, and anxiety, which they may try to relieve by creating routines and rituals. If these things are not addressed, a lowered self-esteem and psychological disorders like anxiety and depression may result.

It is in the affective area that NLD and AS diverge. NLDers have normal emotions but are inept in expressing them and in recognizing them in others, to the extent that they are expressed non-verbally. Aspies, on the other hand, do not feel the same range of emotions. Though they may feel very deeply about many things, they may not cry or smile when it's deemed appropriate. They often have a flat aspect, and have difficulty with initiating or experiencing normal social relationships.

AS individuals generally have greater social problems. Their highly restricted interests present an additional obstacle to their social functioning. These restricted interests seem to be peculiar to Aspies; they're not mentioned in the literature about NLD. This is the main difference between the two disorders, as they are most frequently defined clinically (Forrest). The ASer's odd behaviors, like rocking or flapping, can also contribute to their social problems. These are not present in NLD. In contrast, the NLDer's social ineptness is mainly due to their inability to read nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and gestures.

AS literature doesn't mention problems with visual spatial issues, which are a major problem area for NLDers. In fact, many ASers respond well to visuals and diagrams, and are visual learners. Many find work as engineers or architects. In contrast, NLDers don't respond to physical demonstrations and may not understand diagrams. They can't learn by watching, and need everything explained in words. Thus NLDers tend to become wordsmiths: teachers and writers, while ASers often excel in math and find work in computer fields.

There are similarities, but the two syndromes are different. AS and NLD each have unique characteristics. Each syndrome possesses terrific attributes as well as great challenges.


Home News Meetings & Conferences Articles Links & Resources Ask the Expert Chapters Books	Similarities and Differences - NLD vs. AS (Nonverbal Learning Disorder - NLD - v.s. Asperger's Syndrome - AS) The ASers profile of neuropsychological assets and deficits (Forrest) is very similar to the NVLD profile described by Rourke (1995). Both have neuro-developmental abnormalities involving functions of the right cerebral hemisphere. (Brumback, et. al.) In both disorders, there is no delay in cognitive development and speech. In fact, early verbal ability is one of the hallmarks of NLD; NLDers are often extremely verbal and early readers. Asperger's Syndrome has been conceptualized as a "Non-Verbal Learning Disability" (Klin, et al., 1995). A comparison of NLD and AS individuals revealed 20 out of 21 similarities, including a verbal over spatial discrepancy. (Klin, et al., 1995). Both Brumback and Vacca consider Asperger's Syndrome an extreme form of Nonverbal Learning Disability (Brumback, et. al.; Vacca, 2001). Both NLDers and ASers seek out social interaction, yet are not accepted by their peers. A related problem shared by both disorders is the inability to perceive or understand nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions or body language. They're oblivious to nuances of facial expressions, body language, and appropriate spatial distance. For example, normal people (NT's) use eye contact appropriately and understand that you can tell how someone feels by looking at their face. Such cues are "invisible" to those with AS/NLD. They can't perceive subtle differences in facial features, tone of voice, and gestures that make up nonverbal communication. For both NLDers and ASers, the largest problems are in the area of social relationships, whether at work or at home. They're often misunderstood. They're accused of rudeness, laziness, lack of caring, or a poor attitude. Exclusion and rejection become part of life. They can't "connect" socially. Wanting to make friends and fit in, but unable to, they may respond by withdrawing, "acting out" with emotional outbursts, or refusing to cooperate. Living with this social disability and constant rejection often leads to uncertainty, confusion, insecurity, and anxiety, which they may try to relieve by creating routines and rituals. If these things are not addressed, a lowered self-esteem and psychological disorders like anxiety and depression may result. It is in the affective area that NLD and AS diverge. NLDers have normal emotions but are inept in expressing them and in recognizing them in others, to the extent that they are expressed non-verbally. Aspies, on the other hand, do not feel the same range of emotions. Though they may feel very deeply about many things, they may not cry or smile when it's deemed appropriate. They often have a flat aspect, and have difficulty with initiating or experiencing normal social relationships. AS individuals generally have greater social problems. Their highly restricted interests present an additional obstacle to their social functioning. These restricted interests seem to be peculiar to Aspies; they're not mentioned in the literature about NLD. This is the main difference between the two disorders, as they are most frequently defined clinically (Forrest). The ASer's odd behaviors, like rocking or flapping, can also contribute to their social problems. These are not present in NLD. In contrast, the NLDer's social ineptness is mainly due to their inability to read nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and gestures. AS literature doesn't mention problems with visual spatial issues, which are a major problem area for NLDers. In fact, many ASers respond well to visuals and diagrams, and are visual learners. Many find work as engineers or architects. In contrast, NLDers don't respond to physical demonstrations and may not understand diagrams. They can't learn by watching, and need everything explained in words. Thus NLDers tend to become wordsmiths: teachers and writers, while ASers often excel in math and find work in computer fields. There are similarities, but the two syndromes are different. AS and NLD each have unique characteristics. Each syndrome possesses terrific attributes as well as great challenges.
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