Bridging the Gap: Raising a Child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder By Rondalyn Varney Whitney You've heard of children who are Out of sync Driven to distraction Indigo Now there is new hope for children who just "don't fit in"

Bridging the Gap

Millions of children suffer from Nonverbal Learning Disorder, a neurological deficit that impedes their understanding of nonverbal cues like tone of voice and facial expression. Though they are exceptionally bright and extremely articulate, these children often have difficulty in social situations -- and can become depressed, withdrawn, or anxious. In Bridging the Gap, Rondalyn Varney Whitney -- a pediatric occupational therapist and the parent of a child with NLD -- offers practical suggestions that will help parents put their child on the path to a happy, fulfilling life.

What readers are saying....................

"A wonderful, enlightening book about NLD. It made me laugh and cry, but mostly it made me hopeful for my son's future."

"The resources and strategies presented in this book are a must-read for every parent who is struggling to help their child succeed in school and life."

"The book is an invaluable resource."

"Whitney seamlessly weaves practical professional advice throughout the account of her passionate involvement with her son, offering a brillantly realized account. This is an exceptional book -- moving, hopeful, and grounded in the wisdom of a seasoned professional and the love af a mother for her unique child."

  Best resource on NLD out there!, August 31, 2002
Reviewer: Patricia Foxx from Conifer, CO USA
Ms. Whitney has written the most compassionate, educational and resourceful book on the world of NLD children. She uses many examples of her son's behavior to illustrate the frustrations and learning opportunities for those of us who also have NLD children. She has the tools of her profession to help her but explains very easily how we as parents can support and intervene on behalf of our children. Her energy and dedication is enormous, but I would be concerned about her expectation that the world needs to accomodate these children in every facet of life. We won't be able to run interference for our children everywhere they go in life. That is not realistic to expect and we need to make sure our children adapt as best they can to the world in which they live. A must read for all parents of NLD children.

  A MUST HAVE!, August 9, 2002
Reviewer: djnj99 from Baldwin, NY United States
This book is a must have for all parents who have a child with a nonverbal learning disorder. It should be the first book you purchase. It explains in a very clear cut manner what this disability is all about. There are excellent resources in the back of the book for further research and a glossary which explains the terms used regarding this disorder. I had never heard of this disorder before until my daughter was diagnoised with it. It began to help me make sense of the symptoms I was seeing but didnot understand. This book should be bought for any child who has a learning disorder. There is a chapter about what you child is entitled to within the educational system for the learning disabled, how to go about getting it and what you can do if they don't give it to you. It's invaluable. I was very fortunate to have read this book first and over the summer when my child was not in school. If I had not, I would have walked into that school and trusted them with doing what was best for my child. If you have ever dealt with trying to get special services for your child, you will know it's not an easy task in most schools. After reading this book, you will become very well-versed on the terms that will be used, what your rights are, and you will be able to decide what is needed for your child. No one will serve your child's needs better than you.

  Uplifting and Positive, August 1, 2002
Reviewer: A reader from New York, United States
This is a wonderful book for parents, because Rondalyn Whitney has "walked the walk" with her son Zak. As you read the book, you feel like you have a new friend who really understands what life is like with a child with NLD. The book takes you from the feeling of NLD as a disability to one of seeing it as a "difference". This book is uplifting, hopeful, and gift to anyone with a child with NLD. I found myself exclaiming "YES!" as I read, and wanting to mark areas to re-read often. This book really helps parent's to see their role in empowering their child. I highly recommend it, and after reading it from a local library I have purchased a copy of my own.

 Great resource for NLD and Aspergers, July 2, 2002
Reviewer: A reader from Cupertino, CA United States
This is a wonderful supportive book about embracing the differences in your special needs child. As a parent of an Asperger child, this book was very helpful about how to manage school, home and still have a fun time with your child. If I am having a tough day, I can pull out the book and be reminded that it is important to find the fun things in life, in addition to the proper intervention. Very helpful with specific interventions. The stories in it are just priceless for anyone who lives this every day.

 WISH IT WAS OUT THEN, June 11, 2002
Reviewer: YVETTE MOHILL (see more about me) from chicago
As a 24 year old person with nld i really loved this book i wish it had be written when i was in elementery school so i could so it to my teachers who did not understand me. i love how the author gives examples of her sons life. i also like the part htat compares nld to aspergers syndrome.

  WOW! A breath of fresh air!, April 10, 2002
Reviewer: TD from campbell, ca USA
A wonderful, enlightening book about NLD. This book is well written with concrete examples of symptoms of NLD and strategies to help parents and teachers with the NLD child. It made me laugh and cry, but mostly it made me hopeful for my son's future.

When my son was in third grade, we were told by the teacher that he doesn't pay attention, is passive-resistive, slow to get started, unable to follow complex directions and having difficulty with math. She suggested he might have ADD. A pediatric neurologist looked at a questionnaire the teacher had filled out and said my son had ADD and Ritalin would probably help. We asked what our other options were and he told us that we could go to see an "Educational Therapist" who would perform a battery of tests to determine if there was a learning disability. Though the school psychologist said he had symptoms of a child with NLD we have been battling with the school ever since (he's now in 6th grade) to get him help. With the help of an extraordinary OT my son is doing great.

The resources and strategies presented in this book are a must-read for every parent who is struggling to help their child succeed in school and in life.

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