Nonverbal Learning Disorder: A Recreation Therapist’s Guide for Understanding and Treating

*This course has been pre-approved by NCTRC for 5 clock hours.

This course is an introduction to Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD or NVLD). It addresses how a diagnosis is made and the characteristic strengths and difficulties of individuals with NLD. Included are some personal examples to get a glimpse into the daily life of someone with NLD. Additionally, the course provides treatment modalities, goals and tips to help Recreation Therapists provide more proficient treatment to individuals with NLD. At the end of the course, the student will need to pass a quiz with a score of 70% or higher to receive a certificate of completion.
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Course Objectives

  • Participants will learn the definition of NLD and how the diagnosis is determined.

  • Participants will be able to identify at least 10 characteristics of individuals with Nonverbal Learning Disorder. 

  • Participants will learn at least 10 treatment modalities that can be used by a Recreation Therapist to assist those with Nonverbal Learning Disorder in reaching their goals.

Beth Petzold, CTRS

Instructor Bio:

My name is Beth Petzold, CTRS and I have been practicing TR for over 8 years. I have had the pleasure of working with diverse populations of individuals, including those with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Stroke, Dementia, Mental Illness, and physical impairments. Settings have included outdoor and adaptive sports and Adult Day Care. I love assisting people towards appreciating strengths, discovering passions and increasing self-efficacy and confidence.

Beth Petzold, CTRS

SMART Instructor