After parents or teachers observe symptoms of NVLD — typically, identifying a particular deficit or set of challenges a child cannot muster — the child may be taken to see a neuropsychologist who will gauge their speech and language development, visual-spatial skills, motor development, and IQ to see if he or she fits the pattern of traits commonly seen in those with the condition.
Clinicians sometimes mistake nonverbal learning disorder for specific learning disability, developmental coordination disorder, social phobia, or autism spectrum disorder, which can delay a child getting attention and therapy for their core visual-spatial deficits. NVLD is also sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD, which can be a concern especially if medication is then prescribed, as it will generally not help the child.