Dr. Julia Harper, a leading child therapist and psychologist will host a one-day seminar in Bogotá on October 17 to share case studies, and years of research with parents and educators of children diagnosed with cognitive disabilities. As the founder of the Miami-based TheraPeeds, Dr.Harper “rewires” minds through neuroplasticity, a revolutionary way of exercising the brain so it can remodel or change how it responds to emotional trauma, memory loss, attention span, even a person’s self-esteem.
While some areas of the brain have been hard-wired from birth or early childhood, as we go through life, our physical and emotional health depends on our capacity to stimulate our brains, through learning, adapting and identifying potential “grey” areas. For Harper , computers simulate to a degree how the brain functions, and believes neuroplasticity is the tech equivalent of rebooting or reinstalling the software in our minds. Individuals with so-called “hardware” needs, identified at birth or developed later in life – Asperger’s, Parkinson’s or early onset Alzheimer’s to name a few – require a purely specialized medical approach.
Rewiring the brain of a child diagnosed with special needs must involve parents and teaching professionals, as the classroom or playground is where children spend most of their days. Keeping them active, making sure they interact with others, and developing interests is key to long term mental well-being. Even though there is are specific guidelines for educating children with developmental needs, Dr.Harper’s experience treating autism and helping parents identify potential problem areas with developmental problems, can be applied anywhere in world, for the issues parents face are the same. “A child’s mind knows no boundaries,” says Harper, “and we are ignoring how stress plays a major role in a child” development.”
Helping educators identify signs of autism or ADHD is the focus of this “brain-based” seminar. For the mental health expert who treats many Colombians based in south Florida, the objective is to also exchange experiences and ideas in this conference where parents and teachers can interact. “One should never feel alone when facing developmental issues of a child, teenager, or young adult,” insists Dr.Harper.
Even though children are among the most vulnerable of society, there is no age limit when it comes to understanding developmental issues that, at a later stage in life, may or may not have in influenced decision making, careers, relationships. Many adults seek therapy in TheraPeeds, because, as the keynote speaker explains “there is always a possibility of change.”
The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, report that one in 68 children has autism spectrum disorder, and statistic that keeps growing. Just between 2002 and 2010, the percentage more than doubled from 6% to 15%. This has the scientific community concerned, as autism clearly is a growing public health issue, and beyond a caring home environments or classrooms, society-at-large must be actively involved in breaking down stereotypes and pre-conceived notions associated with individuals with special needs. “It takes a village to build a brain,” remarks Dr.Harper of her team of health professionals, guidance counselors. “We must move beyond our limitations.”
The conference titled ‘Environment, Development and Neuroplasticity’ may seem daunting, but for parents, and those considering parenting, the opportunity to hear and talk with Dr.Harper is invaluable, especially if you have overcome personal limitations, stress or trauma in childhood. “We must be able to change that what we cannot see,” states Dr. Harper.
Introduced to a Colombian audience by Catherine Alexandra Vaughan, the conference offers group discounts, a certificate of assistance and lots of freshly-brewed Colombian coffee. If interested in attending contact: seeresultsconferences@yahoo.com or telephone +(57) 310 2657802
The event will be held at: Casa Dann Carlton / Calle 93B No.19-44