Distinguished Expert to Speak at Workshop on Attention, Behavioural Difficulties in Youth
(Thunder Bay - September 23, 2004) Lakehead University's Centre of Excellence for Children & Adolescents with Special Needs will be hosting a one-day workshop to discuss attention and behavioural difficulties relating to youth at school and at home.
The workshop will bring together local and national experts on the subject of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as other behavioural disorders, to share their knowledge and work towards a better understanding of these issues. This workshop is designed for the general public, particularly parents, as well as educators and caregivers.
"This workshop is of particular importance at the present time, as more is being understood about attention and behavioural difficulties," says the Centre's Research Director, Dr. Alan Bowd. "The experts will be discussing the best ways to cope with behavioural difficulties at home and at school. In particular, the workshop will focus on the unique needs of children with ADHD in the North. This is a coming together of minds to share knowledge and ideas about attention and behavioural difficulties. We encourage the public to take part."
Dr. Umesh Jain, the keynote speaker, is a leading authority on ADHD and its treatment. He is the Medical Director of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Co-director of the Adolescent ADHD Research Service at the Hospital for Sick Children. His address is entitled "ADHD Across the Lifespan: A Personality Disorder in Disguise."
A personal story will be shared by speakers Dr. Ken McCluskey, Associate Dean of Education at the University of Winnipeg, and Andrea McCluskey, Aboriginal Academic Advisor, University of Winnipeg. They will be sharing stories about their journey with their daughter and her hyperactivity.
In the afternoon, there will be a moderated panel discussion with Dr. Jain; Dr. George Derbyshire, Pediatric Neurologist; Dr. Ken and Andrea McCluskey; Susan Bebonang, Coordinator of the Native Teacher Education Program at Lakehead U; and Dr. Kathy Jones, Special Needs Specialist, West Region, Child and Family Services. Attendees will have the opportunity to send in questions for the panel.
Members of the public who wish to attend the workshop should call Jodi Carlson at 343-8196. The workshop is on November 25 and will be at the Victoria Inn. The cost is $100, though scholarships may be available to those who qualify.
Due to the popularity of the topic, this information is being released early so that members of the public may book a spot in the workshop.
MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: Any of the speakers are available for phone interviews prior to the workshop. They will also be available for in-person interviews directly before their session on the workshop day. A schedule will released closer to the date. Any member of the media wishing to interview the speakers before the event, please call Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177 well in advance to book a time slot.
The workshop is organized by the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs at Lakehead University. Funded by Health Canada, the centre focuses on the distinct challenges faced by children and adolescents with special needs in northern Canada.
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177
Alan Bowd, Centre of Excellence, 807-343-8717