ADHD Aware to hold inaugural symposium Sept. 26
The Doylestown-based nonprofit organization ADHD Aware will hold its inaugural symposium on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder this fall as an educational opportunity for parents and the community.
The program is aimed at providing information about the neuroscience and genetics of ADHD through physician speakers.
The symposium will be held Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bucks County Community College Gateway Auditorium, located at 275 Swamp Road in Newtown. A pre-conference social will be held from 8 to 9 a.m. Attendees are required to register in advance, and the cost is $40.
Symposium speakers include Marianne M. Glanzman, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia physician and clinical associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and Russell Ramsay, assistant psychology professor at the Penn’s School of Medicine and co-director of Penn’s adult ADHD research program. The two will speak about ADHD research and participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience.
Organization founder and executive director Natalie Knochenhauer is encouraging everyone to attend — parents, friends, educators, physicians and adults who think they may be affected by ADHD.
“It’s a great opportunity to get updates on the latest research, effective treatments and to learn about community resources all in once place,” she said.
Knochenhauer, who has ADHD herself, started the organization one year ago. “The idea is to give children and families affected by ADHD a chance to do something positive together and be in a supportive environment,” she said.
The organization offers live and online forums where participants can ask questions, exchange ideas, talk about their experiences and find resources.
Knochenhauer, a lawyer, was inspired to start the organization after all four of her children were diagnosed with ADHD. Her daughter Mia told her she would benefit from a club for girls with the condition, and the idea for the organization was born.
“She knew what she needed more than I did. Once I started my first group and saw how meaningful it was to the parents and children, I knew it needed to continue,” Knochenhauer said.
Currently the organization offers social networking opportunities for children, teens and adults with ADHD and for parents of children with ADHD. The Go Girls Club and the Boys Club meet in separate monthly meetings throughout the school year starting in the fall. Adult meetings begin in the fall and are held bi-monthly. All groups are hosted at the Cornerstone Gym in Doylestown.
At the children’s club meetings, Knochenhauer includes information about ADHD education, arts and crafts, games and hosts presentations by local professionals with ADHD.
Currently, the organization has a professional advisory board made up of physicians, psychologists, authors and researchers.
“If you know your brain works differently, you will be more likely to adopt strategies that will help you be successful,” she said.
On Oct. 25 ADHD Aware will host the inaugural Stride for Pride walk at 1 p.m. at the George M. Bush Park in Doylestown.
Currently the organization has participants from all over the greater Philadelphia area and has received requests to expand the group to other parts of the Delaware Valley. She hopes to do so with more funding.
Knochenhauer’s goal is to reduce a stigma she said surrounds ADHD. Her advice to adults or parents with children who are diagnosed with ADHD is to be educated.
“I think the more you learn about neuroscience, the less personal blame you put on yourself. Parents need to find a community that can act as a resource, be a listening board and offer support,” she said.
To register for the symposium or learn more about the organization, visit the Web site at www.adhdaware.org or call 215-275-4978.
The program is aimed at providing information about the neuroscience and genetics of ADHD through physician speakers.
The symposium will be held Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bucks County Community College Gateway Auditorium, located at 275 Swamp Road in Newtown. A pre-conference social will be held from 8 to 9 a.m. Attendees are required to register in advance, and the cost is $40.
Symposium speakers include Marianne M. Glanzman, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia physician and clinical associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and Russell Ramsay, assistant psychology professor at the Penn’s School of Medicine and co-director of Penn’s adult ADHD research program. The two will speak about ADHD research and participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience.
Organization founder and executive director Natalie Knochenhauer is encouraging everyone to attend — parents, friends, educators, physicians and adults who think they may be affected by ADHD.
“It’s a great opportunity to get updates on the latest research, effective treatments and to learn about community resources all in once place,” she said.
Knochenhauer, who has ADHD herself, started the organization one year ago. “The idea is to give children and families affected by ADHD a chance to do something positive together and be in a supportive environment,” she said.
The organization offers live and online forums where participants can ask questions, exchange ideas, talk about their experiences and find resources.
Knochenhauer, a lawyer, was inspired to start the organization after all four of her children were diagnosed with ADHD. Her daughter Mia told her she would benefit from a club for girls with the condition, and the idea for the organization was born.
“She knew what she needed more than I did. Once I started my first group and saw how meaningful it was to the parents and children, I knew it needed to continue,” Knochenhauer said.
Currently the organization offers social networking opportunities for children, teens and adults with ADHD and for parents of children with ADHD. The Go Girls Club and the Boys Club meet in separate monthly meetings throughout the school year starting in the fall. Adult meetings begin in the fall and are held bi-monthly. All groups are hosted at the Cornerstone Gym in Doylestown.
At the children’s club meetings, Knochenhauer includes information about ADHD education, arts and crafts, games and hosts presentations by local professionals with ADHD.
Currently, the organization has a professional advisory board made up of physicians, psychologists, authors and researchers.
“If you know your brain works differently, you will be more likely to adopt strategies that will help you be successful,” she said.
On Oct. 25 ADHD Aware will host the inaugural Stride for Pride walk at 1 p.m. at the George M. Bush Park in Doylestown.
Currently the organization has participants from all over the greater Philadelphia area and has received requests to expand the group to other parts of the Delaware Valley. She hopes to do so with more funding.
Knochenhauer’s goal is to reduce a stigma she said surrounds ADHD. Her advice to adults or parents with children who are diagnosed with ADHD is to be educated.
“I think the more you learn about neuroscience, the less personal blame you put on yourself. Parents need to find a community that can act as a resource, be a listening board and offer support,” she said.
To register for the symposium or learn more about the organization, visit the Web site at www.adhdaware.org or call 215-275-4978.
