Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, captured national attention at the Democratic National Convention, not just for his proud support of his father, but for highlighting a personal battle with nonverbal learning disability (NVLD).
Diagnosed as a teenager, Gus’s presence on such a significant stage brought to light a condition that affects millions of young people, yet remains largely misunderstood and underdiagnosed.
A Heartfelt Moment at the DNC
Gus Walz stole the spotlight on Wednesday as his father, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, accepted the vice presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention. The 17-year-old proudly stood during his father’s speech, expressing his love with a simple, “That’s my dad.”
A Personal Challenge Revealed
The governor and his wife, Gwen Walz, shared in an interview that their son was diagnosed with nonverbal learning disability during his teenage years. This revelation shed light on a condition that affects many but is often misunderstood.
Understanding NVLD
A study from 2020 suggests that up to 2.9 million children and adolescents in North America may have nonverbal learning disability (NVLD). This condition primarily impacts spatial-visual skills, making everyday tasks more challenging.
The Hidden Numbers
Despite the significant number of potential cases, far fewer people are formally diagnosed with NVLD. The discrepancy highlights the challenges in recognizing and diagnosing the condition.
The Struggles of NVLD
People with NVLD often excel verbally but face difficulties with motor and spatial coordination. These challenges can make tasks like reading maps or following directions particularly frustrating.
Social Challenges
Navigating social situations can be especially tough for those with NVLD. Understanding non-verbal cues, such as body language, is often a significant hurdle.
The Subtle Signs of NVLD
Unlike dyslexia, the signs of NVLD typically emerge during adolescence rather than early childhood. Early education focuses on memorization, a skill where those with NVLD often excel, masking the condition until later years
The Challenges of Social Subtlety
As children with nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) grow older, understanding the nuances of social interactions becomes increasingly difficult. Subtleties like sarcasm can often be missed, making social situations more challenging.
Adolescence Brings New Demands
In her practice, Laura Phillips often encounters adolescents with NVLD who generally possess average or above-average intelligence. These students struggle when school requires more integrated knowledge, leading them to seek help for issues like anxiety or depression, which frequently accompany NVLD.
A Push for Accurate Diagnosis
NVLD is sometimes misdiagnosed as autism spectrum disorder due to overlapping traits. However, researchers, including Amy Margolis, are working to redefine the condition as “developmental visual-spatial disorder” to better reflect its unique characteristics.
The Need for Official Recognition
Amy Margolis is advocating for NVLD to be recognized in the DSM-5, the standard diagnostic manual for mental health conditions. Without official recognition, securing necessary resources and support for individuals with NVLD remains a significant challenge.
Raising Awareness for Better Support
Widespread awareness is crucial for helping families navigate the complexities of NVLD. Laura Phillips emphasizes that without a recognized diagnosis, parents often struggle to communicate their child’s challenges and secure appropriate educational support.
