Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL): An Identical Twin Case Study Illustration of White Matter Dysfunction and Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD)

• Published in: Child neuropsychology Vol. 6; no. 4; pp. 274 - 285
• Main Authors: Woods, Steven Paul, Weinborn, Michael, Ball, J.D., Tiller-Nevin, Stephanie, Pickett, Treven C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Group 01-12-2000
• Subjects: Brain - physiopathology; Child; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Learning Disorders - genetics; Leukomalacia, Periventricular - genetics; Leukomalacia, Periventricular - physiopathology; Leukomalacia, Periventricular - psychology; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Twins, Monozygotic
• ISSN: 0929-7049; 1744-4136
• DOI: 10.1076/chin.6.4.274.3138

This paper discusses the implications of Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) lesions for the development of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) as illustrated through an identical twin case study. PVL lesions were identified in an 8-year-old child, but were not detected in his identical twin brother who served as a matched comparison. While the nonclinical twin displayed a largely unremarkable neuropsychological profile, the clinical twin evidenced a distinct pattern of social, intellectual, academic, and neuropsychological test results often identified among children with PVL and those with the NLD syndrome. The clinical and theoretical implications for this case study are discussed.