The Effects of a Nonverbal Learning Disability on Socioemotional Functioning

This investigation was designed to expand on previous studies that have examined the effects of nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) on socioemotional functioning. As a result of various neuropsychological deficits, individuals with NLD are purported to be prone to severe social and emotional disturbance. The present study attempted to compare the socioemotional \ud functioning of NLD, verbal disabled, and nondisabled children using the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) and the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). A set of iQ-based groups and a set of achievement-based groups were created to represent those three populations, and both sets were compared using \ud aggregate scores from the ASEBAs and BASCs. The results did not support the hypothesis that the \ud individuals with NLD would have impaired socioemotional functioning, although the study was limited in its ability to obtain a\ud sufficient sample of disabled individuals and to properly identify those with NLD