Eileen’s Journey – Sports, Strengths, and Social Struggles

This chapter continues my conversation with Eileen, a fellow social ambassador for the NVLD Project. Like me, she uses her experiences with Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) to advocate, raise awareness, and support others. Ambassadors write blogs, help promote events, and participate in fundraisers that fuel research and provide resources to families.

At the time of this interview, I was running a fundraiser in honor of my birthday to support the NVLD Project’s research and their community programs, like the Inspire support group.

With that in mind, I was eager to dive deeper into Eileen’s story—especially her perspective on family, sports, strengths, and how she’s navigated friendships and challenges with NLD.

Family and Early Advocacy

When I asked if her family helped her manage challenges, Eileen didn’t hesitate:

“Yes. I was always included. My mom knew how to advocate for me and insisted I could do the work—even if it took me longer. She believed it was better for me to be challenged and supported at home, rather than sheltered and unprepared when I turned eighteen.”

Unlike some of her peers, Eileen wasn’t placed in the separate learning support track in high school. Her mother wanted her in mainstream classes, with the right scaffolding.

Sports also became an early outlet. Starting at age four, Eileen joined soccer, though she later shifted to swimming because it was more individualized. Over time, she discovered basketball, then track and field—sports that became central to her life.

Sports, Role Models, and Resilience

Track, in particular, provided both opportunities and challenges. Eileen recalled how her coach encouraged her to join, not only because of athletics but also for the sense of community.

“He thought I’d be a good role model. Having supportive teammates mattered a lot—especially another girl with a seizure disorder. She understood me, and just sitting with her on the bus gave me comfort.”

Still, there were difficulties. In middle school, Eileen sometimes fell in with peers who weren’t the best influences. Coaches noticed and gently redirected her toward healthier friendships.

“They didn’t punish me outright. Instead, they treated it as a teaching moment. They believed in guiding me, not excluding me.”

Over time, Eileen learned to rely on determination and resilience. She described her strengths as attention to detail, determination, and honesty. These qualities carried her through hard races, difficult days, and the challenge of not always fitting in socially.

The Social Puzzle

Eileen spoke candidly about the social struggles that often come with NLD:

“Sometimes you think kids are your friends, and then you realize they aren’t. It’s confusing because sarcasm or teasing can be hard to read. But with the right guidance, you learn. Coaches and peers like Penny, Diane, and others helped me develop those skills.”

She emphasized how sports can serve as social classrooms for kids with NLD. Unlike strictly therapeutic settings, sports allowed her to practice teamwork, resilience, and encouragement in real-world contexts.

“Coaches don’t always look for the fastest athlete—they love the most determined one. And determination is something kids with NLD often have in abundance.”

Strengths and Self-Discovery

When I asked about strengths, Eileen lit up.

She explained that NLD had sharpened her ability to notice small details—whether it was keeping track of her keys or spotting subtle changes in her environment. Her honesty, too, stood out as a defining trait.

“I don’t like being underestimated. That’s why I speak about inclusion in sports. Everyone deserves a chance to show their determination.”

Eileen also acknowledged that not all sports are equally accessible. Team sports that rely heavily on gross motor skills or fast-paced social interaction can be overwhelming. Still, she stressed that opportunities exist—sometimes in unexpected roles like team manager or scorekeeper—that still provide inclusion and belonging.

Wishing Things Were Different

When I asked if she ever wished she didn’t have NLD, Eileen admitted that there were moments, especially during tough races in high school.

“My senior year, after a particularly bad race, I thought: I’m done. I wish I didn’t have NLD. I felt like I worked so hard but was still stuck at the back of the pack.”

But her coaches and family reminded her of her determination and the progress she had made. Encouragement pulled her back from giving up.

She also shared how fatigue and anxiety—common with NLD—sometimes made sports harder. Balancing academics, seizures, and athletics wasn’t easy, but she kept going.

What the World Needs to Understand

Perhaps the most important part of our conversation came when I asked what she wished the world understood about NLD.

“Kids with NLD want friends. They want to connect. They may struggle socially, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. With encouragement and patience, they can thrive.”

Eileen explained that programs like sports teams, music groups, or service clubs can be powerful vehicles for social growth—if adults recognize the need for guidance and inclusion.

Closing Reflections

Listening to Eileen reminded me so much of my own journey. Determination, resilience, and honesty often carry us when the world misunderstands us. And like her, I know the sting of social challenges but also the joy of finding spaces—whether in sports, clubs, or friendships—where we belong.

As I close this chapter, I encourage you, the reader, to take a moment for reflection:

• What strengths do you carry because of your challenges?

• Where have you found belonging and resilience?

• How can you advocate for inclusion in your own community?

Eileen’s story reminds us that determination is often the greatest victory of all.