Abstract

Nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) seem to be associated to depression and emotional distress. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between low visuospatial performance (highly related to NLD) and the depressive symptoms in middle and high school children. Two visuospatial questionnaires (SVS and QDS) and the CDI were administered to 202 children (95 males and 107 females) ranging from 6th to 8th grade. The results showed a significant, although not particularly high, relationship between low visuospatial ability and the presence of depressive symptoms. In particular, participants with low visuospatial abilities seemed to have more depressive symptoms.