Full-Day Symposium Centers on Kids' Mental Health, Learning

Teachers, parents, school administrators, and other professionals can now register for the 10th Annual National PACER Symposium About Children and Young Adults with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. The event is at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday, August 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is $30 and includes lunch; CEUs are available.

The symposium brings together 1,000 parents and professionals for a daylong event that provides outstanding information about children’s mental health and learning disabilities, as well as proactive, positive teaching strategies and interventions. This year’s keynote presenters are L. Read Sulik, M.D., BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, and Adam Levy.

L.Read Sulik, M.D. of Prairie Care Institute is a pediatrician, child and adolescent psychiatrist who lectures nationally on children’s mental health topics, including depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. He will speak on “Keeping ADHD Positive: Nurturing the Spirited, Imaginative and Playful Nature.”

BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya of the African American child Wellness Institute is a nationally known expert in the areas of developmental psychology, multiculturalism, severe psychopathology and African-American mental health. She advocates a strength-based approach and expertise in assisting children and families in developing healthy relationships. She will speak on “The High Cost of Invisibility: A Look at Learning Disabilities, Mental Health and Culture.”

Adam Levy is a singer-songwriter (The Honeydogs), social activist, educator and parent. After the suicide of his son in 2012, he became active in public discussions about the stigma of mental health and understanding and preventing suicide. His topic is “Take It as It Comes: Surviving a Child’s Suicide.”

Workshop session topics include eating disorders, supporting young children with social and emotional needs, schooling for children with dyslexia, wellness assistive technology for teens, breaking the cycle of ineffective learning habits, medications and concussions.

For information and to register, visit PACER.org.