The Truth About NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) And Who It Can Resembled your

One day the American Psychiatric Association took a really good look at the traits and characteristics of NLD Syndrome. Who did those traits and characteristics resemble? You guessed it, the APA. Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) has been around for 41 years and has not made the list. Sometimes when we look into the mirror or under our own microscope we do not like the reflection that bounces off the mirror. Even worse, we really don’t like the disease under the microscope. So what would be the best solution?  A cover-up will be just fine. The APA can drag their feet for years.  The American Psychiatric Association sees the correlation of NLD Syndrome to their Association. So why test or even acknowledge this syndrome?  NLD Syndrome might start popping up all over the place. It might just resemble too many people who are RECOGNIZABLE. If the American Psychiatric Association started testing for NLD Syndrome on a consistent basis, it’s no telling who might turn up on THE LIST.

Let’s take a look at the history of the American Psychiatric Association, who has decided to distance themselves from the Psychologists many years ago. The APA (American Psychiatric Association) was formulated in 1844 in Philadelphia. Their symbol carries 13 stars over a head of an individual inside a coin-shaped emblem. The stars represented the 13 superintendents and organizers of the insane asylums and hospitals which were constructed to formulate the new American Psychiatric Association. The APA has had a pattern of making irresponsible decisions for many years.  At one time homosexuality was placed on the DSM as a disorder. It was voted out and removed in 1973.  APA later had the Mission Impossible effect to change the name to protect themselves. The name of homosexuality was changed to ego-dystonic sexuality and later removed from the DSM in 1987. Once again the tape has blown up on the mission. The American Psychiatric Association is back to putting a crazy diagnosis on their list. They were considering putting Internet Addiction on the list.  Imagine that. For my NLDers who cannot imagine, it would be putting the Internet on medication and locking it up in an insane asylum for no more viewing. This would hide the truth about the APA and who they may resemble.

Dr. Allen Frances MD.,  who use to be a member of the DSM4 task force, wrote a very interesting article on April 8th, 2011.  The article was in Psychology Today. It was called DSM5 In Distress. This is how the Dr. Allen Frances List looks.

1.) DSM5 keeps missing their deadline.

2.) The APA proposals were reckless.

3.) They had poor planning and missed deadlines.

4.) APA over promised and under delivered.

5.) The APA procrastinated and has compromised the coding of the DSM5.

6.) APA poorly thought out the proposal.

7.) 1st draft of the DSM5 was written sloppily.

8.) APA gave extension and wasted these extensions in many ways.

9.) The International Classification of Disease (ICD) World Health Organization in Geneva codes and modification may have been compromised.

10.) ICD-10 codes were written to align themselves with the DSM4. What codes will be written to align themselves with the DSM5?

11.) A window of opportunity will be missed to place a significant diagnosis on the list.

CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS OF NLD SYNDROME

1.) problems with time on tasks

2.) trouble with organizational skills

3.)  difficulty with scheduling, disorganized, cannot project or judge

4.) can’t put their thoughts on paper/written responses,  can talk the talk but cannot walk the walk, problems with productivity when it comes to paper tasks, expresses themselves eloquently

5.) difficulty getting started on a related task, needs to be jump started to initiate plans or on related task, problems in the areas of communication, difficulty multitasking, difficulty understanding what is relevant/irrelevant

6.) faulty spatial perception, problems with executive functions, difficulty being creative and can only think in black and white

7.) difficulty with motor impairment causing writing task to be grueling, slow

8.) difficulty with transition and adapting to change

9.) talks their way through the motor task

10.) they constantly talk their way in or out of a situation

11.)  gestalt impressions (they just don’t get the whole picture)

12.) Problems with their decision-making process which makes it very difficult to understand cause and effect.

13.) trouble with alignment

These characteristics and traits of NLD Syndrome resemble the American Psychiatric Association and their work in progress on the DSM5. We may begin to recognize NLD Syndrome is more common if consistent testing were done.

It SHOULD matter if it is my house, or your house, the poor house or the White House!  NLD could be rearing its head in recognition and striking very close to home. (DYNAMITE, DYNAMITE)  There are many unexplained behaviors which have revealed themselves in the past years to many who are RECOGNIZABLE.  Dr. Allen Frances, I hope this explains why the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is off task. This might even explain why NLD Syndrome has never been placed on the list. Sometimes a reflection of who we may resemble may keep us from looking directly into the mirror. It is the FEAR, SHAME, GUILT, and HUMILIATION of being found out. The American Psychiatric Association may not be as credible as we may expect them to be. Who truthfully is NLD? Who does NLD resemble? WHY is the American Psychiatric Association (APA) keeping NLD SYNDROME off their LIST (DSM5)?

Coming to an IMAX  Theatre in May 2013, in 3D, the DSM5–Hopefully

Reflection Of Words, Magical Moments On Twitter

Whenever I am tweeting on Twitter my thoughts and my heart is always with the ones who have difficulty communicating their thoughts and putting them on paper.  For those of us that can put our thoughts to the grindstone, it may take one word or just a phrase to speak volumes.

I would like to reflect back on some words and phrases which are magical moments on Twitter. There are times when the fewer words spoken reveals more. The more words spoken reveals less. There comes a moment of silence that can reveal all.

1.)  To all the achievers around the world with extraordinary minds, unique abilities, and multi-level learning styles… keep achieving.

2.) To all the achievers around the world appreciate your mind and respect the achievement.

3.) Live in the moment, for the moment, never in the past of that moment, the moment is Now.

4.) The greatest achievement is to realize what you achieved can be stripped away.

5.) No one should compromise who they are to become what you want them to be. We need to adapt and change our way of thinking. It is called acceptance.

6.) I do not wish to cut the tree down. I just want to make a dent. It is my TIME to give back.

7.)When you break yourself down to the lowest denominator, you are not weak, you are better understood.

8.) Bask in the sun. Feel the rain on your face. Dig your feet into the sand. Breathe on the mirror. Respect TIME.

9.) When you reach out and help others the time passes. Before you know it, your time is lengthened.

10.) Remember to check your airflow, breath on the mirror, it is your breath, it is your life.

11.) I am not a Mac Genius. I am not Microsoft Genius. I am a Mom Genius and my son taught me. He holds the honorary degree.

12.) We need to rethink the way we think and accommodate those that process differently.

13.) When I use the word I, it is for taking responsibility. It is not the selfish I, or the I nucleus factor. I will give you credit.

14.) Do you know your cancers? Anyone or anything that eats at you are cancers.

15.) We all can be heard. The skill is listening. The ultimate skill is understanding what we hear and what is being said.

16.) Survival-acceptance of the problem, educate yourself, respect and fear the problem, get help, and be self-determined to survive the problem.

17.) Your coat fits likes an armor. Your armor, in given time, will wear like a vest, Reflection of these times will be your windbreaker.

18.) Education is wonderful when you educate. Understanding and adaptability to how one is educated are greater.

19.) Inclusion in the workforce builds character, self-esteem, and validation. The isolation/deprivation causes lack of hope.

20.) Speaking from my heart zone today, when 365 days becomes less in one’s life, you will begin to value so much more.

21.) Everyone has a voice and a choice, a place, and space, and a reason throughout the season.

22.) I live my life for the 5Ps. Purpose-reason, Passion-true intense emotion, Placement-in position to accommodate others, Productivity-output, Power-effectiveness for an extension of 365 days of my life and to help others.

23.) Know your cancers in order to eradicate the problem, survive, and have a quality of life.

24.) Relinquish being a V.I.P.(Vanity, Image, Pride). You will never survive any adversity with these elements.

25.) When you live to the fullest, love until your heart is content, and don’t give all your love away, you are PAID IN FULL.

26.) If you don’t love yourself in the process, give too much of yourself away, you will lose life’s battle and become EXPIRED.

27.) I never understood the saying, is the glass half empty or is the glass half full. I thought the glass was a tool to work with and what I put in the glass would account for my achievements.

28.) Empowerment is knowing your cancers and realizing they are not just under the microscope.

29.) Never hold anyone accountable for that which you fail to teach. Never assume they know. If you make the assumption you failed them. Go back and teach.

30.) Handle your business or your business will handle you. This is accountability.

31.) I have learned to survive my adversities, not people in order to have the quality of life.

32.) True respect for life and quality of life is the losses we have in life.

33.) Love to Learn, Learn to Love, Love, Learn, and Live to Survive.

34.) Make the decision and be held accountable for the decision. Don’t blame for the decision. It was your decision, learn.

35.) See with your mind and envision. Feel with your heart and show true emotion. Speak the words and become expressive.

36.) Can you handle the candle?  Can you handle the burns?

37.) I have held the hands of many who have exited this life. Through all the tears, hurt, pain, and sorrow,  TIME was the key.

38.) Sit close to someone and read a book together. Sit in your favorite chair by the window and see for the first time.

39.) Take the time today and really laugh out loud. Give them a big hug, tell them you care, and really mean it.

40.) Remember when it comes to trials and tribulations, we can no longer be on trial, the verdict is in, and we can turn our tribulations into a tributes.

41.)  My misfortune is your fortune if you only look and learn.

This is dedicated to those with NLD Syndrome and others with extraordinary minds, unique abilities, and multi-level learning styles.

It is hard for children/adults diagnosed with NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) and others to achieve at light speed. Change, adaptability, and struggling with the element of time on a task can lower their achievement along with many other deficits NLD Syndrome possess.

Giving them more choices and accommodations boosts their achievements thus lifting their self-esteem in an inclusive protective environment. Understanding how they learn and also understanding that it takes patience. So teach, teach, and teach. Let them teach you.  Oral communication is necessary.

A very productive strategy for those who are diagnosed with NLD is teaching life skills, social skills, and body language communication.

Define the issue. Ask them what is it they need to do. State the options orally. Don’t overwhelm them with choices. Limit the choices (3-5). Get some feedback and ask them what would be the best choice. Let them make the choice. Time to take Action. Now it is time for Richard Branson saying, SCREW IT, LET’S DO IT.

He/she reviews their actions. You ask them if it was an effective plan or they ask themselves if the plan worked or not. Always point out what is relevant and what is irrelevant. Hey, if they screw it up don’t beat them down for their mistakes.

Punishment is not the answer. You will unmask an unwanted behavior and the behavior will manifest itself if you do not address it properly.

Addressing the behavior properly is understanding their feelings showing compassion, empathy, and being supportive. Spell it Out (concretely, explicitly).

Many words and actions in the above statements (1-41) cannot be expressed by those who are diagnosed with neurological disorders, with unintentional behaviors and  have developmental delays.

Recognition For Life

When I first started using Twitter I was advocating for NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) to be put on the DSM5 and to be recognized by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). These are the WHO’s WHO list of health and disability. I wanted a community for support, testing, research, and schools to understand and make accommodations for Nonverbal Learning Disability. This would be an inclusive environment with recognition from home, to school, in the community, and our society for NLD and other unique learning styles with extraordinary minds. I want people to LEARN, LIVE, and SURVIVE. I want people to understand and know their QUALITY OF LIFE.

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In a recent article by NPR, Autism Is Underestimated in South Korea, it may be more common than one thinks.  Autism is Mr. Umbrella of the Spectrum.  These neurological disorders are global and are being overlooked. At least Autism is recognizable and has a National Autism Society for inclusion. NLD, on the other hand, is unrecognized by the DSM4 and it leaves it no room for being a credible neuropsychological disorder.  Those who have been diagnosed with NLD Syndrome have unintentional behaviors and is not emotionally disturbed.

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Whether it is Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), on the list or not, I am going for RECOGNITION FOR A HUMAN LIFE. The new text message for RECOGNITION FOR LIFE is ESBL We, the parents, our children/adults EAT, SLEEP, BREATH, and LIVE these disorders and have earned our HONORARY DEGREE.

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This text blog message is dedicated to the American Psychiatric Association(APA), Dr. Regier and his task force team.

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NLD Mom/cancer survivor

I Have Learned

Martin Luther King Jr. birthday was observed on January 17th of this year. His birthday is Jan 15th. On January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, I wrote a poem and posted it on Twitter. It is dedicated to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who sacrificed his life for the things I have learned.

I have learned through the eyes of death that one should appreciate life and all it has to offer.

I have learned to embrace the smallest of the small so I can retain true objectivity.

I have learned to love myself and validate myself. When the storm comes I will not lose hope. I will survive.

I have learned the extensions of one’s life is given purpose through the hinges of another that swings in the balance.

I have learned to stand down in the face of criticism, to honor it, and respect it as a teaching tool.

I have learned to show deference, to cry, to become a better human being instead of bitter.

I have learned to show compassion, empathy, and support, and rethink my thinking before I judge.

I have learned to jump feet first. I was so thankful for having feet.

I have learned to say,”Hello,”  and really mean it.   It was not superficial.

I have learned even when my hands touched deaths doorway, someone crossed over before me to give me a second chance.

I have learned to lift the spirits of those who could hardly lift their heads and they walked with heavily burdened hearts.

I have learned all across the nation ones achievements can be just as influential in Death as it is in Life.

I have learned even though it was not time for death to call out to me,

I didn’t view the mountaintop and I escaped the Promise Land.

I have learned to take a closer look at the hills and slopes and to better understand.

I have learned all in TIME,  Not To Judge A Man.

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NLD Mom/cancer survivor

Etiology of Quality

On Jan 14th this poem was posted on Twitter. It is Dedicated to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the family of Malcolm X, the family of Ted Kennedy, and the Obama Family.

Quality of Life is quality of one’s Mind.

Quality of Education will leave us refined

Quality of Parenting will strengthen the binds.

Quality of Endurance is an ultimate goal.

Quality of Happiness will enlighten the soul.

Quality of Love puts our hearts on the mend.

Quality of Knowledge helps us teach, learn, and comprehend.

Quality of Truth is an awesome power.

Quality of Peace is needed by the hour.

Quality of Commitment is Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream”.

Quality of his Speech motivated and lifted our self-esteem.

Quality of Loss is a masterful gain.

Quality of Hope, we must truly retain.

Quality of Relationships should be cherished to the end.

Etiology of Quality, this is where it all begins.

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Smokelbg@Twitter

NLD Mom/cancer survivor

Side by Side Play

Mom took me to the playground.

All the children played.

Mom watched me very carefully.

She knows I have delays.

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Mom came up to me repeatedly.

I didn’t know how to react.

So I shook my head and flapped my arms.

I tried to interact.

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The children begin to surround me.

All I could do was stare.

Mom stepped right in immediately.

She helps me become aware.

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This is my big moment,

To make friends and try to choose.

This is my moment for reaching out.

I did not want to lose.

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Mom deals with all my social blunders

She truly understands.

She loves me and encourages me.

Mom tells me, YES YOU CAN.

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I became so frustrated.

My behaviors begin to manifest.

I started stumping, crying, and screaming.

Mom told me it was time to rest.

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The children became so frightened.

They all started running away.

I was puzzled and felt very empty inside.

This was a horrible day.

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Understanding the concept of making friends,

Made it difficult for the children to stay.

Mom wrapped her arms around me and whispered.

It is called side by side play.

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This is dedicated to all the Mothers with children that have extraordinary minds with unique abilities and multi-level learning styles on Mother’s Day, wishing you the best. This also goes out to all the children across the world who have difficulty developing friendships and relationships. Hang in there, you are not alone.

NLD Mom/cancer survivor

Giving Recognition To The Unrecognized__Saving Lives

We give recognition to people, things, places, and subjects that are identifiable and previously known. Through encounters of their existence, we give validation to their achievement. This makes them credible and recognizable. Recognition is the most talked about and the latest trend.  Those who are rich, famous and recognizable suffer from SHAME, GUILT, and FEAR of HUMILIATION…  They battle knowing a problem exists or has been in existence for a long period time. The greatest FEAR for the people who are recognizable is someone will find out about their problem. They will lose their reputation and their  3G network (Glimmer, Glamour, and Gold) that comes along with their fame.  The people who go unrecognized is just the opposite. No credit is given to the unrecognizable. Their problems are masked, hidden, disguised and unknown. At this time or any time the unrecognized is definitely not the trend. Given no support from their community, no validation, the burden of SHAME and GUILT lies heavy in their hearts.

This is a welcome mat for  ISOLATION.  Those who feel the burns of SHAME, GUILT, FEAR, and ISOLATION may be tempted to glance into the window of SUICIDE. ISOLATION is their choice. They give themselves a hall pass for denial and it feeds the SHAME, GUILT, and FEAR. The unrecognized has fewer choices. The choice of ISOLATION is granted by the one that judges them. Judgment is not placed in their hands. They have poor judgment and put their lives in the hands of people who cannot be trusted.  The unrecognized will suffer the pain and agony of many cuts by the ones who judge, leaving them with lack of confidence and low self-esteem. This is a deficit for NLD and other exceptionalities. This can apply to the those with recognition.

It is very difficult for people to see themselves as having a problem or understanding the problems of others. It is twice as hard for them to express themselves.  They do not have the ability to recognize the unrecognizable.  NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) and many others fall into this category. A Neurological disorder with unintentional behaviors carries a distorted view through life’s window. These disorders cannot recognize the SHAME and GUILT due to a mass amount of confusion, frustration, anger, and ISOLATION. Those who have unique learning styles and extraordinary minds are ridiculed and rejected by others. They are not given the opportunity to become socially and emotionally competent.  WHY?  People feel it takes too long to teach them. There are too many accommodations needed to help them get from point A to B.  Many people feel the process is taking too long and they need results NOW. Once the behaviors cut loose for NLD, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) and anyone else that has an unrecognizable neurological disorder, it is all over for them. Just being unrecognized with no disorders is a problem. You are basically on your own. It is hard for people to understand the behavior or tolerate dealing with the behaviors of those who are not under the umbrella of the Autism Spectrum. Those who are recognized and under the Autism Spectrum includes Autism, Asperger, PDD-NOS, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorders. It is very difficult to deal with recognizable or unrecognizable behaviors when you are uneducated about them.

The psychological effect can take a toll on your life. Hiding, not knowing when it will all surface. How will you react?  My friends that have gone before me have left a message.  You are looking out of the window and your body gets too close to the edge, ask yourself which one is it. Is it your mind or your body that is too close? If it is your mind, look across the way and try to realize and recognize other people may have greater problems. If it is your body step back and remember the ones whose bodies were ridden with cancer and still fought to maintain what was left of their mind. This was their Quality of Life.  Before you sway too far out of the window and indulge in the thoughts of SUICIDE think about the SHAME, GUILT, and HUMILIATION you will place on your loved ones, your family, and your friends.  Think about it, get help, and save your life and others who love you. Don’t sink a ship.

The poem Rest Peaceful My Nubian Queen is dedicated to one of my great mentors. She taught me whenever it is time to go to the hospital always Remember that you can Remember. Always ask for a bed not by the window, but by the door. Look across the way and focus on the pain of another and your pain will diminish.

For those who are unrecognized, a chain of events will happen. You will struggle to gain respect and validation. It may take many years.  It has taken many years for the American Psychiatric Association to give NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) or SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) any recognition. They have not done so to this date. TIME is a precious commodity. All  IN TIME.

To the President of the United States: You have been riding on the wave of a tsunami. You have looked across the way.  The words you spoke transmitted respect to the life of an infamous recognizable now laid to rest. It was a life. You held steadfast to your 3Ps and in my book, you will always be given Recognition.

To  Catherine-Zeta Jones: You are not alone. I’m proud you came forward. You have taken the first step for the rest of your life toward healing. The SHAME, GUILT, FEAR, and ISOLATION lies in the label of MENTAL ILLNESS. Far too long many people have been stereotyped and have been afraid to seek help. I have sat behind the chart for many years with my son who is now 22 years of age. It was his diagnosis that has given me the extensive knowledge in the field of the neurosciences. My son is a masterful educator and one of my greatest mentors. He struggles in his life but we address every aspect of his neuropsychological disorder which is brain-based. This is the mental aspect where there are deficits in areas of writing, math, abstract language, social communication skills and more.  I have sat behind another chart. I sign off on my tweets as NLD Mom/cancer survivor, if I don’t run out of space. I can talk about my breast cancer. This is a physical illness. I lost a breast but it saved my life.

This story is about saving lives and the choices we make to help save others. Today, many women can take another route to conserve their breast, just as long as they conserve their mind and life with their choice.  If I can talk about a physical illness then others should be able to talk about their mental illness with NO Shame In Their Game.  Always remember you ask for help, you wanted to learn, and you wanted to live and SURVIVE. Today I give RECOGNITION to the most stereotypical illness in the medical profession. MENTAL ILLNESS–Let’s talk and raise awareness for MENTAL HEALTH and SAVE LIVES. NLD Mom/cancer survivor