Advance LA 2015 Conference

Advance LA 2015 Conference 600 600 Advance LA
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The Science of Happiness:

Purpose. Connection. Optimism. Grit.

The Help Group’s Advance LA 2015 Conference

December 10, 2014- Los Angeles, California: Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of California – Riverside, will be the Keynote Speaker at the 4th annual Advance LA Conference. Dr. Lyubomirsky, along with other experts, will address this year’s theme “The Science of Happiness: Purpose. Connection. Optimism. Grit.”

Registration is now open for the conference, which will be hosted at the American Jewish University on Friday, May 1, 2015. This one-of-a-kind conference offers sessions focusing on the needs of transitional age young adults with autism, Asperger’s disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive functioning difficulties, learning disabilities, and mental health issues including dual diagnosis.

Dr. Lyubomirsky and other speakers will share their experience and expertise on a range of topics including practical solutions for a successful transition to work, college, and independent living will be addressed with the focus on how to foster and maintain happiness through the development of purpose, connection, optimism, and grit. Presenters include Dr. Andrew Shatte, Dr. Art Markman, Dr. Anthony Rostain, Dr. Brian Galla, Dr. Liz Laugeson, Dr. Jenni Mariano, Dr. Shauna Shapiro, Dr. Bonnie Aurbach and Lisa King.

Sonja Lyubomirsky and her research on the science of happiness have been the recipients of many honors, including the Templeton Positive Psychology Prize and a Science of Generosity grant. Dr. Lyubomirsky currently teaches courses in social psychology and positive psychology and serves as graduate advisor at University of California – Riverside. Dr. Lyubomirsky’s best-selling 2008 book, “The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want” (Penguin Press) has been published in 23 countries, and her recent book, “The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, But Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, But Does,” is translated (or will be) in 16 countries.

“The enthusiasm expressed by our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for this unique conference has been overwhelming. We look forward to bringing parents and experts together to discuss practical applications of the latest happiness research” said Jill Rosenberg, Advance LA Director.

The Advance LA Conference is open to parents, educators, clinicians, researchers, graduate and undergraduate students. Continuing education credits will be available.

An early bird rate of $65 for students, $90 for parents and $135 for professionals seeking CEUs will be available through Friday, March 13, 2015.

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About Advance LA

Advance LA, an innovative program of The Help Group, provides individualized transition support, training, and resources to teens and young adults with a wide range of needs including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, executive functioning difficulties, ADHD, and other social or emotional issues.

About the Help Group

Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional problems.

The Help Group’s seven specialized day schools offer pre-K through high school programs for more than 1,400 students. The Help Group’s broad range of mental health and therapy services, child abuse and residential programs extends its reach to more than 6,000 children and their families each year. With more than 900 staff members, The Help Group’s state-of-the-art schools and programs are located on six campuses in the Los Angeles area.

The Help Group is widely regarded for its high standards of excellence, unique scope and breadth of services. Through its public awareness, professional training and parent education programs and efforts at the state and national levels, The Help Group touches the lives of children with special needs across the country and in other parts of the world.

At the heart of its effort is the commitment to helping young people fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.