As I navigate my life as a young college girl with Nonverbal Learning Disorder, there are some points that gives me more anxiety and more of an urge to be introverted. Thus, the other day, I was with someone and I tried to ask if he knew what NVLD is and he replied no, I mention some things such as social anxiety, difficulties be a part of a group and Introversion. The one thing that sparked me inside my head was "You do not seem introverted as you are talking." What people tend to not understand is that being introverted as one with NVLD is not anywhere near the same as someone who may be introverted in society.
When I talk about the fact I tend to be introverted is that I tend to hold one side of me to myself and try to gain acceptance by being nice to everyone in a way that pushes others away. I often got bullied growing up because I was afraid to be apart of a group or I was never invited to a group.
I always was in love with the arts as I felt it can be a good outlet and show everyone what my true self can do. I enjoyed being a part of choirs and theater because I can express myself in art. I also write and do graphic arts.
Some other comments I get are like "if you have NVLD, why aren't you being treated" or "If you have NVLD, you have a serious form of autism." Both of these questions or statements are harmful because it's not in the autism spectrum. It's also not as well studied and is known to be a rare condition.
I also get told I am an annoyance. I know it may be true, but the social skills treatment is made for people with Autism, not NVLD and growing up, I always was told these things, yet the social skills groups did not help as they did not match my needs. If you know someone with NVLD and want to say that, I'd highly reconsider not to say it because many of us did not get the proper treatment growing up.
All and all, if you are going to make any of these comments and statements I hear often, please think about how you would feel before saying it to me. It hurts inside, even if I am introverted about the truth.
