The Help Group's Advance LA Announces 4th Annual Conference, The Science of Happiness: Purpose. Connection. Optimism. Grit.

Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of California – Riverside, will be the Keynote Speaker at the 4th annual Advance LA Conference. Dr. Lyubomirsky, along with other experts, will address this year’s theme “The Science of Happiness: Purpose. Connection. Optimism. Grit.”

Registration is now open for the conference, which will be hosted at the American Jewish University on Friday, May 1, 2015. This one-of-a-kind conference offers sessions focusing on the needs of transitional age young adults with autism, Asperger’s disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive functioning difficulties, learning disabilities, and mental health issues including dual diagnosis.

Dr. Lyubomirsky and other speakers will share their experience and expertise on a range of topics including practical solutions for a successful transition to work, college, and independent living will be addressed with the focus on how to foster and maintain happiness through the development of purpose, connection, optimism, and grit. Presenters include Dr. Andrew Shatte, Dr. Art Markman, Dr. Anthony Rostain, Dr. Brian Galla, Dr. Liz Laugeson, Dr. Jenni Mariano, Dr. Shauna Shapiro, Dr. Bonnie Aurbach and Lisa King.

Sonja Lyubomirsky and her research on the science of happiness have been the recipients of many honors, including the Templeton Positive Psychology Prize and a Science of Generosity grant. Dr. Lyubomirsky currently teaches courses in social psychology and positive psychology and serves as graduate advisor at University of California – Riverside. Dr. Lyubomirsky’s best-selling 2008 book, “The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want” (Penguin Press) has been published in 23 countries, and her recent book, “The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, But Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, But Does,” is translated (or will be) in 16 countries.

“The enthusiasm expressed by our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for this unique conference has been overwhelming. We look forward to bringing parents and experts together to discuss practical applications of the latest happiness research” said Jill Rosenberg, Advance LA Director.

The Advance LA Conference is open to parents, educators, clinicians, researchers, graduate and undergraduate students. Continuing education credits will be available.

An early bird rate of $65 for students, $90 for parents and $135 for professionals seeking CEUs will be available through Friday, March 13, 2015. For information on Advance LA, a full list of presenters, registration and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.advancela.org or call 818-779-5198. To apply for media credentials, please contact Shawna Sopp, ssopp@thehelpgroup.org.