If you missed out, you can purchase audio CDs from various breakout sessions from the 2011 Spring Conference. Please check back soon for order information or call 952-582-6000.

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2012 Keynote Speaker

Peter Shankman, author, entrepeneur & social media expert

Keynote Speaker Peter Shankman is recognized worldwide for radically new ways of thinking about social media, marketing, pr, advertising and customer service.  Shankman has been described as "a spectacular example of what happens when you merge the power of pure creativity with ADHD and a dose of adventure, to make it work to your advantage."

Peter will be discussing ADHD and social media in his address, "Creativity + ADHD = Explosion"

Best known for founding Help A Reporter Out (HARO), which in under a year became the de-facto standard for thousands of journalists looking for sources on deadline.  HARO is currently the largest free source repository in the world, sending out over 1,500 queries from worldwide media each week.  In June 2010, less than two years after Peter started HARO in his apartment, it was acquired by Vocus, Inc.

Peter is also the founder and CEO of The Geek Factory, Inc., a boutique Social Media, Marketing and PR Strategy firm in New York City with clients worldwide.  His clients have included American Express, Sprint, Royal Bank of Canada, Snapple Beverage Group, NASA, Walt Disney World, and many, many others.

2012 Conference Sponsors

LDA is currently seeking sponsors for 2012; please contact Martha Moriarty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for sponsorship information.

2012 Breakout Sessions are currently being reviewed.  Take a look at our 2011 line-up:

2011 Breakout Sessions

Session A   10:40 am – 12:00 pm

Even the Teacher Has ADHD: Successfully Navigating Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are an overlooked population, yet one that seeks recognition of the challenges being faced. Participants will walk away with numerous practical strategies for dealing with Adult ADHD and connect to the possibilities in their own path, especially if struggling with ADHD.
Tyler Sassaman, M.A. | LDA Minnesota Teacher/Educational Coach

Different Strokes for Different Folks: Customizing Treatment for ADHD/LD
ADHD, the most common children's mental health disorder, is increasingly recognized as both pervasive and complex. When combined with learning disabilities, an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan become even more crucial. Alarming evidence points to a complex, multifaceted disorder which requires an updated evidence-based approach. A “one stop” generalized intervention can often lead to more frustration. This session will address diagnostic tools including differentiating rating scales; using cognitive testing to enhance both diagnosis and treatment; and how to address common concerns with weight and sleep. Specific advances in medical, nutritional, cognitive, and social aspects of treatment will be discussed using clinical examples with video enhancements.
Gary Johnson, PD, L.P., LMFT | Clinical Director, CALM

Transforming Challenging Child Behavior: The Nurtured Heart Approach
Ever wonder why typical parenting, therapy, and teaching techniques are ineffective among some children?  Learn ways to bring about real change with proven, positive, esteem-building methods that apply to all children, ages 2-18, but is especially helpful for children with ADHD, ODD, autism, or any child whose behavior does not improve with typical methods. Arguments, tantrums, bad language, trouble at school, problems with peers, refusal to cooperate, challenging transitions … learn ways to resolve these issues through powerful parenting techniques!
Tina Feigal, M.S., Ed. | Parent Coach and Trainer, Owner / Center for the Challenging Child, LLC

Navigating the Workplace with ADHD
A highly-interactive presentation which focuses on ADHD and its effects on the work environment. Examine how ADHD shows up at work and common accommodations that minimize the effects of ADHD. Understand how to creatively and effectively utilize a support team, ask for accommodations, and overcome the challenges of ADHD at work.
Robb Garrett, M.A., MCC, ACT | ADHD Consultant and Coach

So I Have ADHD, Now What? Strategies for Improved Learning
Gain information and strategies for improved learning outcomes for individuals diagnosed with ADHD and insight on the importance of a proper assessment.  Discover the variety of individual learning styles and how each affects learning.  Topics include information to increase understanding about importance of appropriate assessment and diagnosis, how ADHD typically affects learning, and learning style preferences as well as specific strategies that may be utilized to improve learning. Walk away with specific tools that may be implemented to improve learning.
Allen Stock, L.P. | LDA Minnesota

ADHD: A Syndrome of Executive Function Deficits
ADHD is increasingly being defined as a syndrome of executive function deficits. This session will address the history of understanding ADHD and the models of Brown and Barkley that are most current. Attendees will understand the evolution of ADHD and that several executive function models exist.
Ernest W. Swihart, M.D. | Behavioral Pediatrician

ADHD and Sleep Disorders
A high co-morbidity level between ADHD and sleep disorders exists, yet proper evaluation for sleep disorders for those with ADHD often goes unmet. This is despite the fact that a number of the cognitive and neurobehavioral symptoms that accompany ADHD are similar to those seen in various sleep disorders.  Gain a general overview of sleep disorders that occur with ADHD, information on the clinical signs of sleep disorders in those diagnosed with ADHD, as well as treatment options.
Mark Rosenblum, Psy.D., L.P., CBSM | Director, Insomnia Program – Minnesota Sleep Institute

Session B   1:30 – 2:50 pm

Getting Up Again: Handling Life Transitions
Examine three case examples of adults with ADHD utilizing their strengths and ADHD coping strategies to create an ADD-Friendly Lifestyle. Cases include: A female entrepreneur in her mid 30s, a 47-year old man who was recently laid off from his company, and a 21-year old woman moonlighting as a waitress but wanting to become an artist.
Ken Traen, MSW, LICSW

Succeeding With ADHD: When Telling Yourself "Just do it" Doesn’t Do It
Do you ever wonder how other people are able to get themselves to “just do it” when it comes to boring or undesirable tasks?  Well, now we know. They have another circuit in their brains that those of us with ADHD naturally don’t in which we have to use an emotional circuit to motivate ourselves.  No wonder we feel more anxious and stressed!  Learn what the new science teaches us about the two motivation circuits and what that means for those with ADHD. Understand how you can apply that new theory to get better results in your life. Walk away with powerful strategies to easily motivate yourself and others in your life.
Cindy Lea, M.A. | Counselor, ADHD Consultant/Coach and Speaker
Erin Meyer, M.A. | Social Worker Case Manager, Thomas Allen
Terri Johnson | Director, Learning Rx

Harnessing Neuroplasticity: A No Medication Approach to Attention Disorders, Mood Dysregulation, and Learning Disabilities
We now know that the brain can change. Neuroplasticity allows modification of existing brain structure in the face of new experience. An accurate diagnosis is the starting point for treatment. Specific exercises that promote neuroplasticity will be described.
David Alter, Ph.D., L.P., ABPP, ABPH | Partners in Healing of Minneapolis
Nancy Foster, M.A. | Partners in Healing of Minneapolis

Educational Rights of Students with ADHD
Develop an understanding of the difference between Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), with a focus on eligibility, rights, and services for students with ADHD. This session provides an overview of the law as it relates to students with ADHD. Topics include: eligibility for services under Section 504 and IDEA; the development of appropriate 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs; best practices for interventions for students with ADHD; standards based IEPs; and procedural safeguards, due process rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Atlee Reilly, Attorney | School Law Center LLC

A Happy Relationship in Twelve Jokes or Less
Relationships where one person has ADHD will face certain common struggles. Gain insight to those challenges and how they push a couple to rise to their best to be happier as individuals and together. Integrating jokes to illustrate important points, this presentation will entertain, inspire, and educate you.
Ari Tuckman, Psy.D., MBA

Nutrition and Nutritional Supplementation in ADHD: Navigating from Confusion to Sound Decision Making
Learn the fundamental difference between a pharmaceutical and nutritional approach and how that difference plays out in: expected results, time frame, and research design. Understand the limitations of the research in both approaches. Apply these skills to existing research on three key ingredients that show potential benefit in the area of neurological challenges, including ADHD. Identify what is known about the effects of Vitamin D, antioxidant, and omega III fatty acids on brain physiology and practice a strategy leading to sound decision making in the face of uncertainty.
Michele Semerit Strachan, M.D. | Behavioral Pediatrician, Wellness and Nutriceutical Consultant

Transitions: Supporting Students with ADHD from High School to College
This session will examine the challenges that await college students who struggle with executive functions both in and out of the classroom. Offers strategies to support students in their social, emotional and academic transition to college.
Ellen Engstrom M.A. | Director of Teacher Training, Groves Academy

Session C   3:10 – 4:30 pm

A Story to End All Stories – An ADD Success
Steve Peer, Chadd National President, shares his personal story and elegantly summarizes aspects of his anger management and parenting programs. Gain further insight to self talk, problem ownership, the nature of decision-making, executive functions, the power of well-formed questions and scripting / planning, and faith. Participants will practice intentional self-talk, when it should occur, and discern problem ownership and how it supports the quote, “Don’t just do something -- stand there.”
Steve Peer, President | CHADD National

Biofeedback Games & Tools Almost Everywhere, For Learning and Stress
Biofeedback games and technology tools for clinical and home use can treat ADHD in ways that are as effective as stimulants for some individuals with ADHD. Learn the similarities and differences of treating stress and attention by considering ADHD as a type of stress problem. We will also discuss how to help bring out the best in individuals by getting behaviors into a range where their strengths become more of a valid style.
Peter Meilahn, M.A. | Psychotherapist, EEG Biofeedback Practitioner

Collaborative Problem-Solving
Collaborative Problem-Solving is an effective method of communication that works well with all learning styles and incorporates empathy, problem-solving and listening skills in an easy-to-learn format. This session will outline the CPS method and illustrate how it applies, particularly to children, teens, and adults who struggle with emotional regulation, and who may have difficulty seeing how their behavior affects others, considering consequences, and responding to change.
Marcia Mayo, M.A. | Psychotherapist, Educator, ADHD Coach

Managing Everyday Papers in the ADHD Life
When it comes to managing paperwork, the challenges of ADHD only add to the frustration that most people already feel. Overwhelm and disorganization creates problems with unfinished steps and chaotic paper piles abound. This session will focus on ADD-friendly, practical systems and ideas for handling everyday papers such as bills, newsletters, interesting articles, internet information, project materials, receipts and coupons. Both paper-based and electronic tools will be presented. Learn how to sort action and resource paperwork into an active filing system, how to create a system for managing purchase receipts, and identify routines needed to manage their paper systems successfully.
Louise Kurzeka | Owner and Consultant, Everything’s Together

Beyond Hyperactivity and Inattention: Often Overlooked Symptoms of ADHD
Learn about other well-documented but often overlooked symptoms of ADHD such as temper tantrums, low-frustration tolerance, mood ability, and low self-esteem, and how these can sometimes lead to anxiety and depression. Discover how to differentiate between ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Bipolar Disorder, as well as strategies for dealing with ADHD symptoms.
Dr. Tressa Reisetter, L.P., NCSP | Neuropsychologist

ADHD Support Groups: The Best Bargain for Adults and their Loved Ones
Learn how to make recovery from Adult ADHD a healthy and inspirational lifestyle. Support Groups provide structure where adults with ADHD can learn about overcoming challenges, recovering self-esteem and confidence, and thriving in the company of peers. Hear from support group members how they have grown and found joy in life as a result of joining a support group.
Comfort Belbas, MSW, LGSW | Social Worker

Panel: The Power of the Brain: Non-Medical Approaches for Meeting the Challenges of ADHD
Two accomplished experts on brain-based causes of ADHD will each present their perspective and approach to helping children with ADHD. Baird Johnson presents brain training techniques to strengthen cognitive skills such as working memory and processing speed, which are often low in people with ADHD – even with high IQ scores. Results include improved attention, focus, and learning. Dr. David  Stussy will explain Functional Disconnection Syndrome, an imbalance of left and right side brain activity. Learn how Brain Balance, a drug- free approach, can reverse symptoms of ADHD, leading to successful academic and social development.
David Stussy D.C. | Executive Director, Brain Balance of Minnetonka
Baird Johnson | Executive Director, Learning RX of Chanhassen and Maple Grove