April 2025

SAVE THE DATE! OCT 25/25 in Calgary

The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network is hosting our annual full-day conference and it will feature all of the same things (but in a new location) that made last year's such an incredible day:

• local experts
• low ticket price
• boxed lunches included
• resource fair
• and more!

What topics will we cover? Tell us what you'd like to learn more about!

This conference is for you. We've compiled the ideas from last year's exit survey and added a few of our own. Take a moment to rank these topics in order of interest to you or add your own (no emails are collected). Open for suggestions until April 15!

"This conference celebrates LDAA’s 56th anniversary and focuses on education, collaboration, research and science of learning disabilities and ADHD. It's a fantastic opportunity for both educators and parents to connect, share, and gather information and resources that will help shape the future of learning disabilities and ADHD.

Can’t make it to Calgary? Our Northern Alberta Conference is coming later this year."

Have questions, or are interested in being a sponsor or having a booth?

Contact Teresa at executivedirector@ldalberta.ca to learn more.

Parenting with the Brain In Mind

with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

When:

Tuesday April 8, 2025

No-host bar at 6:00 pm

Doors open 6:30 pm

Presentation 7 to 8 pm

Where:

Bella Theatre, Mount Royal University

18 Mt Royal Circle SW Calgary

Registration:

$25

Assigned seating

Registration until April 4

"Presenting internationally recognized Tina Payne Bryson, PhD, clinician, consultant, and internationally recognized author of two New York Times Best Sellers The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline, and The Yes Brain and The Power of Showing Up, co-authored with Dan Siegel.

Drawing on cutting-edge science and the ideas in her books, The Whole-Brain Child and The Power of Showing Up, this presentation will use stories and humour to teach practical information about a child’s brain and offer a new perspective on some of the most pressing concerns, along with some tools and strategies for addressing them:

• How can I help them better handle their emotions at home and in school?
• How can I discipline in a way that’s more effective and loving?
• How can I cultivate my relationship with my child? OR How can I build a secure attachment with my child?
• How can I nurture resilience and a positive mindset in my child?

The “Brain-in-Mind” perspective, along with the many practical tools that result from it, can empower parents to raise kids who are happy, healthy, balanced, and more fully themselves."

Sponsored by Arnica Foundation which invests in adolescent girls and young women to help them grow into emotionally strong and powerful women.

Two Day Clinical Workshop for Professionals

The Power of Showing Up: Clinical Application of Interpersonal Neurobiology, and Supporting Parents of Teens with the Brain in Mind

In this two-day, workshop Dr. Bryson will look at what the science says about the best predictors for how kids and teens develop, and how clinicians can work with parents in two main areas: cultivating secure attachment, and responding to challenges, both the run-of-the-mill kind and more significant social and emotional issues.

Drawing on attachment and child development research, the science of interpersonal neurobiology, and clinical experience, she’ll discuss the latest scientific research – with a special emphasis on neuroplasticity and the changing brain – in a way that’s clear, interesting, and immediately practical.

Unstuck And On Target!

Problems at school and with friends?

For ages 8 - 11

10 weeks April to June

"Students with LD/ADHD tend to experience challenges with Executive Functions, a set of brain-based abilities that help people control their behaviour and reach their goals.

The Unstuck and On Target! program focuses on four aspects of EF:

• flexibility
• organization
• planning
• monitoring

By increasing these skills, greater school and social success can be achieved."

Not a "Math Person"?

Is Math Hard?

"The Foundations in Math program is designed for students who need extra support in developing essential classroom math skills—not just memorizing formulas, but truly understanding how math works.

In a small group setting (2-5 students per group), an experienced math specialist guides students through research-based strategies like Chisanbop and Woodin Math to help them develop confidence and independence.

Unlike traditional tutoring, this program does not focus on homework help. Instead, each lesson is carefully designed based on assessments to target the skills your child needs to succeed."

There are a variety of in-person or online math programs to choose from:

• Intensives
• Boosters
• Weekly
• Spring Break sessions

Percy Jackson’s Quest: Understanding Learning Disabilities and ADHD through Mythology

"Get ready for an engaging, eye-opening workshop that will leave you inspired with new insights!

Dr. Sparshu is a dynamic, charismatic speaker who deeply connects with neurodivergent minds - educators, parents, and anyone passionate about learning differences won’t want to miss this!

 What’s in store?

• A fresh perspective on ADHD & Learning Disabilities through mythology.
• Practical insights to support and empower neurodivergent individuals.
• Engaging storytelling that makes complex concepts come to life."

Where: Foothills Academy 745 - 37 Street NW Calgary

Summer School for Students with LD/ADHD

Get a head start on high school to reduce your academic load in September!

Foothills Academy is offering three courses this summer.

Dates: July 2 - 18, 2025

• CALM
• Math 15
• Biology 20

Please see the Summer School FAQ sheet for dates, times, fees and other details regarding summer classes.

Mapping for ADHD Burnout: A neuroinclusive understanding of distress

Continual distress leads to burnout. But how do we get into a state of continual distress? Part of the answer lies in ignoring our physical feelings. People with ADHD tend to have more intense feelings which are often invalidated, especially when they were younger.

Identifying your feelings, their cause and how to react are important coping mechanisms for physical and mental wellness. Explore why feelings matter and how to (re)build your wellness.

The Student Technology Assistant & Resource (STAR)

"This drop-in program is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can receive tailored guidance in using adaptive technologies, share experiences, and empower one another in their academic and personal journeys.

WHAT: Drop-in peer technology support. Adaptive technology setup & troubleshooting.

WHEN:  Wednesdays 10:30am-12:30pm & Fridays 11:00am-1:00pm

WHERE: Check in at Student Accessibility Services (MSC 452). The STAR program runs out of the Nat Christie Lab.

HOW: Bring your own devices. Be prepared to share what specific barriers you are seeking to overcome, such as reading/writing, time management, working memory etc.

WHO: Any current UCalgary student can access STAR peer support. Come drop by!

The STAR Drop-in program is provided by Student Accessibility Services department. "

FREE Monthly ADHD Support Groups

• Adults
• Parents
• Youth (ages 16-24)

"Feeling overwhelmed with life’s twists and turns? CADDAC’s FREE ADHD Support Groups are led by trained facilitators who are all adults with ADHD.

Each meeting will allow you to share your story or strategies with others who understand what it means to be affected by ADHD, whether personally or as a parent/caregiver of a child with ADHD."

Enhancing Student Writing Through Technology: Tools and Strategies for Success

Dysgraphia Life is offering this free webinar!

"Join Mary Beth and Eric Fleming, assistive technology specialists, as they guide us through tech tools for spelling, organization, planning, and executive functioning to support student writing."

"In over 40 years of clinical practice, Dr. Peg Dawson has worked with thousands of children who struggle at home and in school. At the center of their struggles are often weak executive skills. Along with her colleague, Dr. Richard Guare, she has written numerous books on this topic for educators, mental health professionals, and parents, among them Smart but Scattered series.

This interactive 2-day workshop offers educators, school psychologists, special education teachers, and other professionals working with children and adolescents, a comprehensive understanding of executive skills and provides practical, evidence-based strategies to support their development. Participants will learn how to embed executive skills into daily routines, create a supportive environment, and design targeted interventions for children, adolescents and young adults who struggle with executive function challenges."

When: May 1- 2, 2025; 8:30am – 4:00pm

Where: Sandman Hotel Lethbridge, 421 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge, AB 

Communicating More Effectively with Adults with ADHD

Effective communication is a two-way street. If you have employees with ADHD, they are likely refining a variety of strategies to ensure they understand all the written and verbal communication coming at them.

But everyone involved in communicating at work - employers, managers, team leads, trainers, HR, etc. - has a role to play in ensuring that what you want people to understand is as clear and concise as possible. That's not just great for those with ADHD, it's great for all your employees.

Read on to explore these simple and effective communication tips.

Teaching & Learning Conference 2025

"Innovations and AI Solutions:

Navigating the Future of Practice-based Teaching & Learning"

"Educating students in practice-based professions often presents challenges not experienced in other disciplines. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and simulation strategies have created many opportunities for innovation and change in teaching for practice-based professions. 

This conference is for educators in post-secondary institutions or clinical/practicum settings who work with practice-based professions to share best practices, ideas and research.

When: May 22 in-person. May 26-29 online/asynchronous

Where: Mount Royal University, Calgary

The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network is a collaborative initiative of a broad group of organizations, which is operated through Foothills Academy and supported by an Anonymous Donor at the Calgary Foundation.