Apr 22
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) bring unique strengths and opportunities, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities and resilience of those who experience these conditions. In our latest podcast episode, Linda Karanzalis, a board-certified cognitive specialist, shares her personal and professional insights into NVLD and ADHD. She highlights how these conditions enhance everyday interactions with unique social perspectives and innovative problem-solving abilities, while also discussing the positive impacts of emotional depth they can bring.
In this conversation, we celebrate the often-overlooked strengths of NVLD, examining its synergistic relationship with other neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism. Linda underscores the critical need for accurate recognition and appreciation of NVLD within the medical community to further empower those it affects.
With over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with NVLD and ADHD, Linda Karanzalis authored Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood and established ADDvantages Learning Center, a pioneering program for neurodivergent learners. Additionally, she serves as a social ambassador for the NVLD Project and hosts the podcast *NVLD & Neurodivergent Pioneers*. Her valuable insights into neurodiversity have been featured in the *US Daily Times* and *ADDitude* magazine.
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"I get a lot of phone calls with people crying, but it's happy crying, because they're like, 'I didn't know what was wrong. I thought it was me,' you know? And the whole book is about validation, validation, validation.”
- Linda Karanzalis
"Once you know what it is, then you realize, 'oh, I just have a different brain. So, I need to figure out things that work for me.'"
- Linda Karanzalis
"We're fighting so hard because we need treatment. There are almost 3 million people that have NVLD, most of them are misdiagnosed with ADHD or autism."
- Linda Karanzalis
"You have to engineer your environment, make everything automatic pilot. I try to hang out with as much ADHD people as I can, it makes me feel better that I'm not alone.”
- Linda Karanzalis
- Linda Karanzalis shares her origin story with ADHD and NVLD, highlighting her struggles with executive functioning as a teacher.
- Linda shared how an assistant significantly aids her in creating organizational systems, improving her workload management.
- Discussion on the profound impact of undiagnosed ADHD on daily responsibilities and personal efficacy.
- Linda explains the daily challenges of NVLD, including social difficulties and issues with visual discrimination.
- Personal anecdotes reveal struggles with visual spatial processing, such as difficulties in distinguishing objects and navigating spaces.
- The conversation broadens to explore the overlaps and distinctions among NVLD, ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, particularly in terms of visual spatial and executive functioning deficits.
- Linda advocates for NVLD recognition and specific treatments, confronting challenges with the DSM committee's resistance.
- She shares strategies for managing life with ADHD and NVLD, like engineering one's environment and automating daily tasks.
- Importance of reflective listening and communication strategies emphasized to improve personal and professional relationships for those with NVLD.
