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2005
Conference
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Invisible Child, Inc. is
a non-profit organization that is set up to run the Invisible Child
Conference (formerly the Children With Brain Differences Conference
2003) as well as participating in other activities that support
and benefit children with brain disorders. The success of the
March 2nd, 2002 Conference which took place at the Westin
Westminster, demonstrated the tremendous need for such an event.
Over 450 people attended, some from as far away as Kentucky
and Wisconsin. The gathering of parents, educators and clinicians
had the opportunity to learn more about the major brain disorders
in children, to hear about different strategies for accommodating
the unusual needs associated with these disorders and to share
with others their ideas and personal experiences. It was a day
when no one felt isolated or misunderstood. It was a day when
people from many different walks of life came together to share
a common cause, the support of our wonderful, difficult, unique
children.
The name "invisible child" is both a descriptor of and a dedication
to our children, who are invisible in the sense that their disabilities,
though often severe, are hidden from view. Brain disorders,
though biologically based, often are not obvious physically,
so the invisible child looks like any other child. In addition,
children with these disorders usually have normal intelligence.
In fact, many are gifted, sometimes to a high degree, and because
of this they are able to develop coping skills that further
hide their differences, the result being that they may either
not be identified or their struggles will be misunderstood.
Because it typically takes such a long time for children to be
diagnosed and receive appropriate treatment, they are particularly
susceptible to falling through the cracks, dropping out of school,
becoming suicidal, or entering the juvenile justice
system.
The Brain Differences Conference grew out of the desire to make
a difference in the lives of children by bringing parents and
professionals together for a day of education about childhood
brain disorders. As the need goes on, so will the conference.
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