Category: ADHD
Posted by Dr. Daniel Klein on Mon, Sep 14, 2009 at 11:03 AMADHD conference a boost for patients, parents
Michael Golds was a young man with many special talents and great potential that was only beginning to be realized. He was a master diver and a pilot. He had been accepted into a graduate program at the Florida Institute of Technology. However, for many years academics were a challenge - until he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and began receiving treatment.
He enrolled in Project Bold at Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills, a specialized program that provides support to students with ADHD, and learned the strategies he needed to become a successful college student. He went on to earn a BA from Eastern Michigan University. While he was working at an airport in Florida, he was killed in a freak accident.
In his memory, his parents, Barbara and the late Dr. Jack Golds, created the Michael Golds Memorial AD/HD Conference, bringing together parents, educators and professionals to inspire those affected by ADHD and learn about the latest in ADHD assessment and treatment. The annual conference, which began in 1999, has grown to more than 350 participants. This year's conference is scheduled for Oct. 2 at the Orchard Ridge Campus of Oakland Community College. Over the years, so many of the parents I work with have attended and found the presentations and event to be very informative and worthwhile.
This year, the keynote speaker will be Dr. Michael Ginsburg. Dr. Ginsburg was raised in southeastern Michigan, went on to Stanford and the University of Michigan Medical School. He will share his inspiring story of how he faced his own challenges with ADHD and what he learned that can help others.
Following Dr. Ginsburg's talk, participants will be able to choose from a broad variety of breakout sessions addressing different issues that children, adolescents, adults with ADHD as well as and parents might face. Topics address areas such as defiant behavior, organizational skills, relationships, sleep, parenting, current and alternative treatments, medication, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender issues, learning difficulties and a panel discussion of learning specialists and students with ADHD. The lineup of speakers includes some of the top professionals in our community.
Beyond the various sessions is the opportunity for people to interact with one another and connect with parents facing similar issues. So often, I hear from parents how they feel so isolated or judged and others do not understand the challenges they are struggling with. For those who are directly or indirectly effect by ADHD, I hope you will consider joining me on Oct. 2.
For more information about the Michael Golds Memorial AD/HD Conference or to register, call 248-522-3645 or visit the conference Web site.
