NLD Conference Provides Valuable Staff Training

By Areti Carlson, Berkshire Center Academic Tutor

On October 30, 2009 I attended a Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (or Differences, as CIP likes to use) Conference in Springfield MA with Kate Scholz, another Academic Tutor at the Berkshire Center. The informative and dynamic speaker was Dean J.M. Mooney, Ph.D., NCSP, licensed clinical psychologist, founder of the Maple Leaf Clinic and a member of the CIP National Professional Advisory Board.

Nonverbal Learning Differences (NLD) was defined and presented in a clear and concise manner, as well as other neurological diseases and disorders that are related to NLD. Appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures were discussed for a variety of learning disabilities. There was also plenty of time to ask questions and discuss specific concerns with Dr. Mooney.

The conference was very enlightening and helpful. It has given me new insights and some interesting methods to incorporate into my tutoring techniques. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to attend the conference and learn more about NLD.

NLD is a developmental or learning disorder with manifestations in somatosensory and motor functions, visuospatial and visuoconstructive functions, arithmetic, social cognition, and inferential reasoning.