Experiencing ADDvantages

Podcast: AD/HD and Depression

Our Virtual AD/HD Conference Podcast Series kicks off today with a preview of Dr. Ari Tuckman’s session on “AD/HD and Depression.” You can listen to or download this podcast here:

Dr. Tuckman’s session is scheduled for Day 1 of the Virtual AD/HD Conference on Monday October 5th from 2.45 – 3.45pm Eastern. (Don’t worry if you can’t attend live, as the recordings and handouts for all sessions will be available to everyone who registers!)

During Dr. Tuckman’s session, we’ll:

• Explore the reasons why untreated ADHD can lead to secondary depression
• Understand why implementing targeted, ADHD-based strategies is an important part of treatment
• Understand why it is equally important to accept limitations without shame or guilt  

If you’d like to review the entire agenda for the 2nd Annual Virtual AD/HD Conference, please visit http://www.ADHDconference.com/agenda.shtml

The Virtual AD/HD Conference takes place October 5-7th—in your own home or office! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your peers and get all the tools you need to succeed from the top experts in the world of AD/HD.

Register for the Virtual AD/HD Conference at http://www.ADHDconference.com!

Only 2 Days Left to Save on the Virtual AD/HD Conference!

Are you overcomplicating your decision to join us for the Virtual AD/HD Conference?

If so, then allow me to simplify the details so you can easily make the decision that's right for you!

Benefits of Attending

1. You'll Invite the Top Experts in the World of AD/HD - like Ned Hallowell, Daniel Amen, Patricia Quinn, and more - Into Your Living Room. And you won't even have to clean up!


2. You'll Get All the Tools You Need to Succeed with AD/HD. Conference sessions address issues and challenges faced by adults, parents, families, spouses/partners, and service providers.


3. You'll Break the Bubble of Isolation and Connect With Your Peers. The conference offers many opportunities to connect with the experts and your peers--both during the conference, and for a full 3 months afterward!


4. You'll Participate at Your Own Pace. You can attend some, all, or none of the live sessions! Everyone who registers will have full access to the session recordings, handouts, and discussion forums for a full 3 months after the close of the conference.


5. You'll Skip the Travel Costs and the Hassles of Attending a Physical Conference. While the cost of attending a physical conference can easily exceed $1500 when you add in travel, hotel, meals, and incidentals, you can skip all those hassles and pay only the conference registration fee.

Further Considerations

I whole-heartedly believe that the Virtual AD/HD Conference is an *outstanding* value for anyone affected by AD/HD. And when it comes down to it, price will probably be the consideration that makes or breaks your decision to attend.

Early Bird registration rates expire this Friday, July 10th. If you register before then, standard registration for the full, 3-day event costs just $147, and deluxe registration costs just $247. (Remember, these rates go up $50 on Saturday.)

--> If you're convinced that the conference is NOT for you, then that's okay! Although we've made every effort to keep the registration fees affordable, I wouldn't want anyone to spend their hard-earned money on something that doesn't feel like a good fit--especially in this economy.

However, even if you decide not to join us, I'd like to invite you to sign up for the Virtual AD/HD Conference mailing list to receive exclusive AD/HD podcasts with the conference speakers! You can do so at www.ADHDconference.com.

--> And if you're convinced that the conference IS for you, then you're in good company! We're on track to exceed last year's attendance of 400+ people!

Just be sure to register by Friday so you can take advantage of the $50 savings! You can register at http://www.ADHDconference.com.

Registration for the Virtual AD/HD Conference Opens Saturday!

Last year, the Virtual AD/HD Conference™ brought together over 400 people who were eager to get the latest information and strategies for AD/HD management and interact with the top experts in the field -- all while personally connecting with one another from the comfort of home!

We welcomed adults, parents, spouses/partners, doctors, therapists, advocates, coaches, counselors, and many more in the AD/HD community. And we're doing it again this year!

This Saturday, June 27th, we'll be opening the virtual doors for conference registration.

Early birds will save $50 off the registration fee!

And, there will be special bonuses for the first 20 people who register!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to get all the tools you need to succeed from top experts, break out of isolation as you connect with peers who've been or are in your shoes, and save tons of money by attending from the comfort of your own home, participating at your own pace!

We're pleased to present the following experts at this year's event:

• Dr. Edward Hallowell on AD/HD and marriage
• Dr. Daniel Amen on healthy brains
• Dr. Patricia Quinn on women and girls with ADHD
• Dr. Chalres Parker on medication
• Dr. Kenny Handelman on alternative treatment options
• And many more! Check out the full agenda at: http://www.ADHDconference.com/agenda.shtml

The Virtual AD/HD Conference™ is a can't-miss event for everyone affected by AD/HD. But don't take my word for it when you can hear directly from past attendees!

“The Virtual AD/HD Conference™ was phenomenal! I have told countless people about it.

I almost didn’t register because it wasn’t a good time financially. But I am so thankful that I did register, and that I took care of myself by spending the time listening and following the handouts! I learned so many things and now have renewed hope! 

You did a great service to the entire AD/HD community. It had to be a tremendous amount of work because your efforts showed in every aspect of the conference. It was just shy of being flawless. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Suzanne Troll
Zionsville, Indiana

Sign up at http://www.ADHDconference.com to be notified when registration opens this weekend.

You'll save $50 off the registration fee and, if you're one of the first 20 registrants, you'll also receive an extra bonus!

And everyone who signs up will receive conference updates and exclusive podcasts with the experts. So you'll want to get on the conference mailing list to grab these goodies--even if you can't attend.

Last year's event was absolutely fantastic, and I'm really looking forward to this year's Virtual AD/HD Conference™. I hope you'll join us!

 

Success of the Virtual AD/HD Conference

It's been a while since I've blogged because I was so busy with the 1st Annual Virtual AD/HD Conference, which took place September 22-24. And I'm pleased to report that it was a glowing success!

Terry Matlen and I hoped to draw 250 attendees, and ended up with 382. (Including speakers and sponsors the number was well over 400.) What a pleasant surprise! And the feedback has been fantastic - from attendees and speakers alike. We'll be carefully reviewing the evaluations and using the feedback to help us move forward.

It's clear that we have a hit on our hands, and we're looking forward to doing it again next year! (And the year after that, and the year after that!)

Thanks to all who helped make this a special and historic event!

10 Steps to a Betteer Brain Part 6: Take Time to De-Stress Your Brain

Posted by Sharon Howell, ADD Management Group Coach

I know you have all heard that you need to take time to take care of yourself.  Jennifer and I talk all the time about self care.  But do you take the time to do it? 

Below is more information about the importance of these practices from Dr. Daniel Amen (Virtual AD/HD Conference speaker, neuropsychiatrist and founder of the Amen Clinics).
Please read and heed!

"De-stress the brain.  Stress kills cells in the hippocampus of the brain, affecting memory and mood.  Take a moment each day to breathe and settle down.  I think we all should meditate, do biofeedback, self hypnosis or spend time each day in prayer.  I did a study in 2003 on meditation sponsored by the Alzheimer's Prevention Foundation and Dr. Dharma Singh Kalsa.  We found that meditation had measurable, positive, physical effects on the brain helping with stress, focus and spirituality."

I love yoga.  It keeps me limber, centered and calm.  I also have craniosacral therapy (gentle working of spine and skull that claims to help with ADD, fibromyalgia, migraines and more) on occasion.  It is great if you can afford it.  When I can't afford it, I remember to breath deeply and talk to myself about the negative thoughts that cause stress.

What do you do to take care of yourself?

Posted by Sharon Howell, ADD Management Group Coach

Last Chance for the Virtual AD/HD Conference!

In the last couple of weeks I've been very busy preparing for the first ever Virtual AD/HD Conference™!                      

Terry Matlen and I are hosting 20 of the most prominent experts in the world of AD/HD, along with over 300 attendees!                     

I've been hearing from lots of speakers and attendees about how excited they are to participate. Some speakers are even  saying that The Virtual AD/HD Conference™  is "the wave of the future." What a fantastic compliment!

The Virtual AD/HD Conference™ is for everyone affected by AD/HD, including adults, parents, spouses, clinicians, coaches, and educators.

This is truly a great opportunity to:

• Get all the tools you need to succeed from top experts
• Learn directly from  Ned Hallowell, Daniel Amen, Sari Solden, Patricia Quinn, John Ratey, and many more
• Connect with your peers through discussion forums and live chat rooms
• Save  tons of money as you attend from the comfort of your own home
• Participate at your own pace - attend sessions live or listen to the recordings later

There's still time to join us, but you'll have to register soon! The conference starts this Monday, September 22, and registration will close the following day. Don't miss out!

Register today at http://ADHDconference.com.

I hope to "see" you at this very special event next week!

P.S. This is your last chance to register for the  Virtual AD/HD Conference™ and be a part of this historic event! Access to the  presentations will not be available after registration closes next week. 

 

Tara McGillicuddy: Audio Preview of Virtual AD/HD Conference Session

Did you know that there is a vast array of resources and support for AD/HD available on the web?

I recently interviewed Tara McGillicuddy, Senior Certified AD/HD Coach and Director of the popular ADDclasses.com, about her session on "ADHD Support 2.0: Finding Help and Support for ADHD Online" which she'll be presenting at the Virtual AD/HD Conference.

Listen to an audio preview of this session here:

This audio is 6 minutes and 2 seconds.

During Tara's session at the conference, you'll:

• Discover the different resources available online for AD/HD support
• Learn how to effectively find the help you're looking for using the Internet
• Get tips and strategies for managing your time online so that you get what you need without getting sucked into the Internet!

Sunday (September 14th) is the LAST DAY to register at the current rates. Registration fees increase by $50 at 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time on Monday September 15th.

The Virtual AD/HD Conference begins on Monday September 22nd and runs through Wednesday September 24th.

Don't miss out! Join Daniel Amen, Ned Hallowell, and Sari Solden, plus 17 other expert speakers and hundreds of your peers for the first ever Virtual AD/HD Conference!

Register today at http://www.ADHDconference.com.

Michele Novotni: Audio Preview of Virtual AD/HD Conference Session

Did you know that when an adult with AD/HD loses their job, it is often NOT because they don't do their job well, but because they don't get along well with others?

Psychologist and author Dr. Michele Novotni shared this tidbit with me when I interviewed her for a podcast about her presentation on "Social Success" at the upcoming Virtual AD/HD Conference.

To listen to a preview of Michele's session, simply press the "Play" button to listen online, or click the "Download MP3" link. The audio is 7 minutes and 50 seconds.

By attending Michele's presentation, you'll:

   - Learn how to develop the qualities of a "highly likable" person
   - Discover a simple strategy to help you pay attention and listen effectively when other people are talking to you
   - Find out how to connect with people on a strategic level to improve success in networking or building relationships

This session, like the Virtual AD/HD Conference itself, is for everyone affected by Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, including adults, spouses, parents, students, teens and young adults, and professionals.

You're never too young--or too old--to learn the strategies that Dr. Michele Novotni will be teaching!

Don't miss out! Register for the Virtual AD/HD Conference today at http://www.ADHDconference.com.

Registration fees increase on September 15, so register today to save $50!

10 Steps to a Better Brain Part 5: The Importance of Exercise

Posted by Sharon Howell, ADD Management Group Coach

I have been in and out of many exercise programs over the years.  I have done aerobics, various forms of yoga, walking, etc.  One thing that I have learned from doing this is that when I am not exercising regularly, I can really feel the difference.  It is also difficult to get back into the habit, once you have let it go.

Dr. Daniel Amen (Virtual AD/HD Conference speaker, neuropsychiatrist and founder of the Amen Clinics) states:

Physical exercise at least 3-4 times a week is essential to brain health.  Physical exercise enhances blood flow to the brain, protects brain cells against stress, helps to preserve mental abilities, decreases the risks of heart disease, vascular disease and diabetes and improves your mood.  You need to make exercise a habit if you want your brain to look and feel young.

Like any other new venture, start small.  Go walking 2-3 times a week, then increase to more walking and/or try something new until you find what works best for you.  You will be able to develop an exercise program that you enjoy doing and that makes you feel good.  I have found that yoga is great for me.  It also uses many of the same principles of self-care that we teach as ADD coaches, like going slow and not comparing yourself to others in the class.  Have fun experimenting!

Dr. Amen is speaking on "Healing the 6 Types of ADD" at the Virtual AD/HD Conference that begins 2 weeks from today! Register now to save before the fee goes up in a week!

Posted by Sharon Howell, ADD Management Group Coach

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) Community Comes Together For First Ever Virtual Conference

Twenty-two of the most celebrated doctors, therapists, and coaches in the field of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) are coming together for the first time in a virtual setting. From September 22-24, 2008, people affected by AD/HD, including parents, service professionals, and AD/HD adults, will hear live presentations from experts including:

- Dr. Edward Hallowell, author of "Driven to Distraction"
- Dr. Daniel Amen, author of "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life"
- Sari Solden, MS, LMFT, author of "Journeys Through ADDulthood"

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a condition characterized by attention inconsistencies, impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity. AD/HD affects an estimated 5% of the population worldwide.

"The Virtual AD/HD Conference™ is a unique opportunity for people to get all the tools they need to succeed from top experts, without ever leaving home," says Jennifer Koretsky of the ADD Management Group, who is hosting the conference along with Terry Matlen of ADD Contults.

Adds Matlen, "Everyone can participate at their own pace and attend only the presentations that most interest them. This conference has all the benefits of an in-person conference without the travel expense and hassle."

The live presentations will delve into important topics in AD/HD, such as:

- Medication and Alternative Treatments
- Addictions and Eating Disorders
- Success Strategies for Kids, Teens & College Students
- Time Management and Organization
- Career Management
- And much more

The Virtual AD/HD Conference™ will center on an interactive, participant-only website, which means that everything attendees need to participate in the conference and connect with their peers is located in one, easy-to-use online space. Participants will have the option to listen to each presentation live via webcast or via telephone, and share their thoughts in dedicated discussion forums.

In addition, the conference will host networking sessions in live chat rooms where attendees can connect with one another. There will also be a virtual exhibit hall of AD/HD products and services. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase an audio CD set with printed transcripts of all the presentations.

The conference is open to the public. Registrations are being taken online at http://www.ADHDconference.com.