SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., Jan. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 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 address a range of topics including practical solutions for a successful transition to work, college, and independent living. The focus will be on fostering and maintaining 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.Elizabeth  Laugeson, Dr. Jenni Mariano and Dr. Shauna Shapiro.

Dr.  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 social psychology and positive psychology and serves as graduate advisor at University of California Riverside and is the best-selling author of "The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want."

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

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 is available through Friday, March 13. For information on Advance LA and the conference, please visit http://www.advancela.org, call 818-779-5198 or email advancela@thehelpgroup.org.

About Advance LA
Advance LA, an innovative program of The Help Group, provides individualized transition support, training, and resources to teens and young adults with a wide range of needs including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, executive functioning difficulties, ADHD, and other social or emotional issues.

ABOUT THE HELP GROUP
Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional problems. The Help Group's nine specialized day schools offer pre-K through high school programs for more than 1,500 students.  Its broad range of mental health and therapy services, child abuse and residential programs extends its reach to more than 6,000 children and their families each year.

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SOURCE The Help Group