Conference to Focus on Attention Disorder

Parents, educators and child care professionals are invited to attend a conference on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Saturday and Sunday at Pierce College.

Psychologist John F. Taylor will lead the seminar on Saturday and offer possible solutions and techniques to help prevent and solve behavioral difficulties associated with the disorder.

“I have a lot of useful, practical answers for teachers, parents and mental health professionals to assist ADHD children, who themselves are at risk for becoming juvenile delinquents, school dropouts and substance abusers,” Taylor said.

Metabolic nutritionist Laura Thompson will participate in the Sunday portion of the conference.

Three percent to 5% of school-age children have ADHD, according to the American Psychiatric Assn.

About 30% of male alcoholics and 30% to 60% of juvenile delinquents suffer from ADHD, Taylor said.

The seminar will look at the role of Ritalin, a medication used to treat ADHD, and of nutrition as a modifier of behavior.

The impact of diet on the disorder can be underestimated, Thompson said.

Refined foods may contribute to the symptoms of ADHD, Thompson added.

“As soon as they straighten out the diet . . . symptoms either disappear entirely or improve incredibly,” she said.

The conference is organized by the Colorado nonprofit group Children and Adults for Our Future.

It will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Saturday fee is $69; Sunday’s admission is $53. For more information, contact Maria Curtis at (818) 341-2233.