Season six record setting Biggest Loser couple Amy & Phil Parham will be the keynote speakers for the "Overcoming Learning Obstacles" event on January 13, 2012 in Shreveport.

This event, sponsored by the Learning Rx, will help families learn how to not only cope, but transend learning disabilities including autism.

Phil and Amy contributed much of their weight gain to their son, Rhett, having autism. They turned to food as a coping devise to deal with Rhett's learning disability.

Millions found hope after watching the Parham's struggle with their weight loss on the Biggest Loser, and Phil and Amy have taken that message to heart. Having lost a total of 256 lbs the Parhams offer their own advise with their own fitness and lifestyle program through their own website. They have even published books, 10 Lessons from a Former Fat Girl, The 90 Day Fitness Challenge, and The Amazing Fitness Adventure for Your Kids.

In addition to the Parhams, Overcoming Learning Obstacles will have:

  • Associate Professor Dr. Lisa M. Schrott of Louisiana State University Health Shreveport will provide insight on the brain, learning and memory.
  • Education Specialist Monica Sullivan of Families Helping Families will go over IEP basics for families who may still be trying to master how to work with Individual Education Plans.
  • Reading Specialist Donesa Walker, M. Ed.will focus on dyslexia and ways to help detect and overcome this often under-diagnosed learning disorder.
  • Autism Coordinators Tom Palczynski, BCBA and Traynee’ Rash, BCBA of Caddo Parish Schools will discuss autism, which is now the fastest-growing developmental disability in America, affecting 1 in 110 children.
  • Linda Watts, LPC of Interactional Services delves into the latest on ADD/ADHD.
  • Cognitive skills specialist Margie Bell, Ed. D. will reveal how the brain training methodology that helped the Parham’s son Rhett can help anyone get smarter.

The January 13 event will be held at Gateway Church, 8925 Youree Drive in Shreveport. The event is free and open to the public but organizers ask for a $5 donation to Gateway Church for those attending the dinner. Registration starts at 3 p.m. Breakout sessions start at 4 p.m. followed by a dinner break at 6:45 p.m. and the Parham keynote address at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to register, please call 318-742-8004.

 

More From 96.5 KVKI