#Connect
On Friday, May 5th, 2017, we held our annual Advance LA Conference at The American Jewish University. The theme was CONNECT, and the conference featured nationally prominent experts whose research and practice support young people with autism, learning differences, and ADHD in their transition to college, the workplace, and beyond. We are grateful to our speakers, and especially to our sponsors who helped make all the magic happen. This year’s event was sponsored by Center for Discovery, Optimum Performance Institute (OPI), Evoke Therapy Programs, and Lindamood-Bell.
Friday, May 5, 2017
We kicked off with an energizing keynote from Amy Banks, MD, Director of Advance Training at the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute, Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College. Amy set the scene with her fast-paced rundown on the science of connection for young adults with diverse challenges.
Next, we took a deep dive with individual sessions throughout the day. Attendees were able to choose from four tracks – Academics & Career, Relationships, Diagnostic Considerations & Interventions, and Mindful Awareness.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Young people with diverse challenges have the same need for connection and belonging as their typical peers, even though their neurodevelopmental differences might keep them from experiencing fulfilling connections intellectually and interpersonally. Our speakers discussed ways to encourage and guide our young adults as they connect to themselves, to others, and to their academic and vocational pursuits in order to create meaningful and rewarding lives. They also addressed the needs of those who support the young people in their journey.
Select Presentations
Tethered to Technology: The Good, The Bad, and…The (Potentially) Ugly
Don Grant, MFA, CCDC, PhD
ADHD and Attachment: Current Diagnosis and treatment Approaches for Teens and Young Adults
Carl Fleisher, MD
Autism and Young Women: New Research and Best Paths Forward
Kevin Pelphrey, PhD
It’s Complicated: Helping Young Adults with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorder and Neurodevelopmental Issues such as ASD
Oriana Murphy, LCSW, CADCII and Aimee Noel, LCSW
Cutting-edge Market-based Training and Employment Opportunities for Young Adults on the Spectrum: STEM, Cybersecurity, Technology and Animation and Visual Effects
Ellis Crasnow, PhD and Kevin Pelphrey, PhD
Advance LA's Conference Photo Gallery
Thank you to our sponsors!
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