The Case of Nonverbal Learning Difficulties among Greek Students: Existence and Prevalence in North Greece

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to identify individuals with NVLD and distinguish them from students of other categories e.g. Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD), in order to ensure proper management by the educational and therapeutic community. The development of accurate identification procedures for these individuals is of high importance. The current study aims to utilize a specific procedure for the identification of students with NVLD for the first time in Greece and investigate if the diagnostic tools and procedures used in the said study can differentiate Greek students with NVLD from other Greek students with SLD. Methods: This is the first study conducted in NVLD in Greece so researchers had to set battery test for identifying the NVLD group. In order to qualify for inclusion in the NVLD group of the study, students had to meet specific criteria based on the work of Mammarella and Cornoldi (2013). After the Practical Intelligence Quotient (PIQ) and the Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ) of the students were measured, only students with PIQ<VIQ and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)>=80 proceeded to the next stage of the study. At the second stage of the study, visuospatial memory, visuomotor coordination, mathematical and reading achievement and psychosocial skills were measured. Results: According to the criteria mentioned, 16 students (7 boys and 9 girls) were found to meet the criteria for NVLD. The average age was 9.12 years (SD 1. 05) and the students were attending the third, fourth and fifth grade of primary school. NVLD students were 0. 27 % of the general student population. Conclusions: This study proposes that the NVLD group exists; and that increased awareness of their assets and deficits is going to enlighten their differentiation from other Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD) and hence, allow NVLD individuals to access appropriate therapeutic and educational programs.