The Help Group's Advance LA program hosts first conference of its kind for young adults with special needs

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Apr 25, 2013, 05:41 ET

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As young adults with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, Asperger's Disorder, executive functioning challenges, and other social or emotional issues prepare to transition to college, the workforce, and beyond, they often experience a lack of resources and guidance to help them along the way. Advance LA is a program of The Help Group that specializes in preparing these young people for a successful future. This weekend, Advance LA is hosting the Innovate Conference, a unique event for teens and young adults that allows participants to collaborate and explore ways to successfully navigate the transition process.

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Held on Saturday, April 27, Innovate will be the first conference of its kind designed specifically for teens and young adults. The conference features a number of hands-on interactive workshops that provide attendees both with the opportunity to learn transition skills and also to spark their passions and develop their interests while interacting with peers.

Instructive workshops will be conducted on topics such as searching for a job, exploring creative arts, managing stress, healthy living, college exploration and success, and building relationships with others. Creative workshops include anime, where participants will be able to create original works of art; robotics, which will feature a team of researchers who will bring robots for the young adults to interact with; a music jam, which will allow attendees to explore their musical passions; and a session on Arduino, an open-source electronics prototyping platform. The day will conclude with a mixer that includes a live band, games, and prizes.

"There are very few resources available that specifically address the needs of these young people and their families," said Diane Flannery, Ph.D., Senior Director at The Help Group. "The conference aims to provide teens and young adults with the opportunity to explore new interests, make friends, and work together in a supportive setting to learn strategies for tackling the transition process."

For more information about the conference, visit www.advancela.org/conference. For more information about The Help Group, visit www.thehelpgroup.org.

SOURCE The Help Group