Internationally renowned experts in the field of mental health, Autism and ADHD will gather in Liverpool this autumn for the ADHD Foundation annual conference, taking place at Titanic Hotel Liverpool on October 13 and 14, 2016. The largest event of its kind in Europe, this year’s conference will welcome over 800 delegates from Italy, France, Sweden, Ireland, Spain and the UK – the biggest attendance in its four year history.
Taking place across two days, the conference will explore new ideas, approaches and best practice in health, social care and education for children, young people and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Impressionist, comedian, ADHD Foundation patron and long time supporter, Rory Bremner, will open proceedings on day one of conference.
ADHD Foundation chief executive, Dr Tony Lloyd, said: “Most conferences of this type are typically research-based and exclusive to clinicians only; the ADHD Foundation conference is unique in the fact that it is multi-disciplinary and the only forum aimed at health, education and social care. The number of delegates in attendance has grown year on year, while the caliber of our line-up of speakers continues to be undeniable. We are really proud of what we have achieved with this event and to showcase the innovative work being done here in the North West. “Our main priority is gathering the world’s leading clinicians, commissioners, school leaders, teachers, SENCOs and social care professionals to drive the agenda for a better provision for families coping with ADHD or ASD in children and adults.”
Under the title New directions in ADHD and neurodevelopmental conditions, day one (October 13) will see experts explore new approaches to medication, ADHD and attachment, early identification and diagnosis, transition to adult services, adult ADHD, comorbidities, women and ADHD, and neuroimaging in ADHD. Acclaimed speakers include professors Eric Taylor (Emeritus Kings College) Chris Hollis (University of Nottingham), Peter Hill (St George’s, University of London), Dr Susan Young (Imperial College London) and Katya Rubia (King’s College London). Specialists from Sweden and Spain will also be presenting on unique innovations in how digital technology is improving accuracy and early diagnosis.
On day two (October 14) leading professionals will discuss topics including – engaging disaffected learners, combining a medical and educative approach to ADHD, how to make a CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) referral, successful parental engagement, reducing learner stress and anxiety, improving behavior, understanding dyspraxia and mathematics anxiety. Guest speakers will include Stephen Drew (C4’s Mr Drew’s School for Boys), Dr Carrie Ruxton – award-winning TV nutritionist, Dr Susan Young, Fintan O’Regan – leading behaviour and learning specialist, Dr Madeleine Portwood – senior specialist educational psychologist, and Dr Tom Hunt (University of Derby).
The number of ADHD diagnoses has doubled in the last ten years – which equates to 300,000 children and a growing number of adults who are in need of support. Funded by both Liverpool, Sefton and Manchester NHS CCG’s and The Morgan Foundation, and commissioned by Local Authorities in Warrington and Surrey, Liverpool-based ADHD Foundation is now the largest patient-led service of its kind in the UK. The foundation is unique in the UK offering a lifespan service for families and adults and advises other NHS and eduation professionals across the UK in the development of cost effective services. This year the foundation commences its tenth year as a charity and will launch a campaign at the conference #BorntobeADHD to raise awareness, challenge stigma and improve life chances for those with ADHD.
ADHD Foundation works to promote and improve the mental health outcomes, educational attainment, employability, social inclusion and life chances of children, young people and adults affected by ADHD through early intervention with a range of training and therapies. Patrons include Simon Weston CBE, comedian Rory Bremner and BBC presenter Diane-Louise Jordan and Jonathan Drane, Team GB Paralympic judo athlete. Sponsors for the 2016 conference are Priory Group Ltd, Shire Ltd, Ceuta Healthcare Ltd and Flynn Pharma Ltd.
To book your place, or for more information about ADHD Foundation, visit www.adhdfoundation.org.uk or call 0151 237 2661.