Let me begin by stating how pleased I am that you have found us.  If you have an interest in Nonverbal Learning Disabilities or Asperger's Syndrome, we are the resource center you have been hoping to find.

So often, I am asked about my connection to NLD.  Born a Canadian, I share my birthplace (Windsor, Ontario, Canada) with Dr. Byron P. Rourke, the leading researcher in Nonverbal Learning Disabilities. Following my move from Windsor to the beautiful green mountains of Vermont, my husband, Dr. Dean Mooney - a Clinical Psychologist, would occasionally diagnose someone with NLD. At that time few if any resources existed. This prompted me to host the first conference on Nonverbal Learning Disabilities featuring Dr. Byron P. Rourke (Diagnosis) and Sue Thompson (Interventions). Little did I know at that time that I was fulfilling Sue's longtime dream by asking her to present side-by-side with Dr. Rourke. In the audience that day was Pam Tanguay. It was time to make another dream come true! Pam asked me to host the same conference in her home state of Connecticut, which I did the very next Fall. Since then, I have gone on to spread the word about NLD from Vermont to California.

Sadly, our good friend, Sue Thompson became ill. Her last presentation in Framingham, MA ended with a 5-minute standing ovation by all 550 conference attendees. This much deserved gesture, warmed her heart more than you can imagine. Maple Leaf Center, Inc. continues to spread the message about NLD by scheduling Dr. Dean Mooney to present across Canada, England, and the United States. Why do we continue our mission to support individuals with NLD?- because of YOU.

Linda J. Hudson and Maple Leaf Center, Inc. staff are proud to host conferences around the U.S. on Nonverbal Learning Disabilities and Social Skills Training. We are your resource center for books, DVDs, toys and learning aids for products relating to NLD, AS, and Social Skills. We are excited to offer you these valuable products to assist you in providing your individual best whether in clinical application, teaching, or parenting.

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities is a specific pattern of neuropsychological assets and deficits. The 'nonverbal' of NLD does not mean that these individuals are 'not' verbal. To the contrary, they are often overly verbal, not knowing when to end a conversation. They also have a tendency to interrupt to join in on a conversation. They learn best verbally, so they hear the words but may not interpret the facial or body expressions of the person who is speaking. Therefore, understanding the true meaning of what someone is saying can be a real challenge for those with NLD. As a result, they tend to suffer socially. They can get frustrated, overwhelmed, and become withdrawn. Generally they excel in spelling and reading, but struggle with reading comprehension, math, writing, and the sciences. By teaching the individual about their strengths and weaknesses and by putting appropriate interventions in place as early as possible, individuals with NLD can succeed!