Ok, the posts under this category "ADN Conference" may sound like shameless plugs for the Attachment Disorder Network's (ADN) upcoming Parenting Traumatized Children conference, but they are much more than that.

First off, it is hard for me not to blog about one of the most important events in my life at the moment (right there behind LuLu's due process hearing). And it is much more fun to write about this conference, than the due process hearing - because, let's face it, that's down-right depressing. I mean, who wants to read about a school system denying a disabled child the chance at an appropriate education? And parents who are, perhaps foolishly, pushing back with all we're worth!

Instead, I want to tell you a bit about the upcoming conference mainly to let you know how many truly awesome people will be presenting -- many are experts in the field -- and many are the "real" experts - parents!

This time last year the staff of ADN hadn't even conceptualized a national conference of the magnitude this one is turning out to be. We had just sponsored a Chicago-area workshop featuring Nancy Thomas, but weren't thinking much grander than that. But it became apparent, as the year went on, that there was a true NEED for information about parenting children who have been traumatized -- children with PTSD, RAD and trauma issues. So the idea was born.

We thought we'd start small -- a day-long conference. But it wasn't long until the number of therapists and other professionals interested in speaking outnumbered the available time slots. So, we decided to put out an actual Call for Proposals, and the response was overwhelming. And overnight our one-day conference became a three-day conference to include as many of the fabulous proposals as we could.

The location was relatively easy to find, and the decision to hold it in Atlanta an easy one as well. We needed a city where an ADN staff member was, someone who could handle all the local stuff -- and I was here. I had been at a biomed/autism conference at the Simpsonwood Retreat Center earlier in the year and was impressed with the facility. So they were the first of a handful of calls I made to find a location. And Simpsonwood is perfect. All the meals are provided in the cost of conference registration and lodging and everything is conveniently located right on-site. The grounds are lovely, with lots of trails for peaceful strolls or morning jogs.

So, now we're off, into the throes of conference planning. Having never undertaken a conference of this magnitude, ADN has learned a TON! I wish I had more time to devote directly to this conference. If anything, I have fallen on getting the word out about how truly awesome the workshops are going to be.

Over the next few days, I want to give you a taste for the conference. For weeks now as I've been working on this, I have been dying to share how awesome this line-up is looking and to share my hopes and dreams for the impact this conference could make on the lives of families with traumatized children.

If you need more information about the conference - visit www.radzebra.org/conference.htm.