Columbia University Health Services

Learning Disability is an umbrella term used to categorize disabilities that are connected with the processes involved in understanding or using language—either spoken or written. Learning disabilities may appear through difficulties with reading, thinking, spelling, speaking, calculating, writing, or listening. A learning disability may manifest itself through a notable discrepancy between a person’s ability and a person’s achievement. It is important to note, that while a learning disability may have been diagnosed, the severity of the LD must substantially limit one or more of the person’s major life activities, compared to the average person, in order to be eligible for accommodations and services at Columbia. A diagnosis of a learning disability has no correlation to level of intelligence. Indeed, people with a learning disability, including students here at Columbia University are often intellectually above average.

Non Verbal Learning Disorder

A Non Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD) is characterized by the impairment of nonverbal or performance-based information controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain. Difficulties will arise in the areas gross motor control, inability to organize visual-spatial relations, or adapt to novel social situations. Frequently, a person with NLD is unable to interpret non-verbal signals and cues, and therefore s/he experiences difficulty interacting with peers in socially normative ways. A person with this neurological condition may frequently excel in areas of verbal ability, as well as have excellent spelling and reading comprehension skills. A diagnosis of a non verbal learning disorder has no correlation to level of intelligence. Indeed, people with learning disabilities, including students here at Columbia University are often intellectually above average.

Go Ask Alice! is the health question and answer Internet service produced by the Alice! Health Promotion Program. If it's on your mind, it's probably on Go Ask Alice!

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services, thereby cultivating a campus culture that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of students. For more information to go the Office of Disability Services.