Talk to the Doc: Epilepsy in Teens and Young Adolecents
About this Event
Join us for Talk to the Doc: Epilepsy in Adolescence & Young Adulthood, an educational conference bringing together epilepsy specialists, healthcare professionals, individuals living with epilepsy, and their families for a day of learning, connection, and support. Attendees will hear from expert speakers on topics including seizure management, treatment options, mental health, transition to adulthood, safety, independence, school advocacy, and epilepsy surgery. The conference will also feature a provider panel and opportunities to connect with valuable community resources. Free registration is available for patients, families, caregivers, educators, and community members. Healthcare professionals may register for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit through a paid registration option
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
8:30 AM - Registration & Light Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
9:00 AM - Welcome & Epilepsy Myths Busted
Info: Epilepsy Support Program resources
Seizure Action Plans
Seizure First Aid & Safety
Emergency Medic*tion Resources
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
9:30 AM - Understanding Epilepsy in Teens & Adolescents
Host: Dr. Ehrreich, Pediatric Neurologist
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
10:30-10:45 Bathroom/Refreshment Break
Info: Take a moment to recharge, connect with fellow attendees, and visit our resource tables during this brief refreshment break. Complimentary beverages and light refreshments will be available as participants prepare for the next educational session focused on teen and young adult safety, independence, and transitional care.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
10:45AM - Teen/Young Adult safety/ Transitional Care
Host: Mark Krel, DO Neurosurgeon
Info: As adolescents with epilepsy grow into young adulthood, families are often faced with new questions about safety, independence, and preparing for the future. This session will explore practical strategies for navigating this transition while balancing medical needs with a teen's desire for greater autonomy.
Topics will include Medic*tion management, driving considerations, sports and physical activity participation, home safety planning, living independently, and transitioning from pediatric to adult epilepsy care. Speakers will also discuss important conversations surrounding relationships, reproductive health, and family planning, helping participants better understand how epilepsy may impact these areas of life.
Attendees will leave with practical guidance, resources, and strategies to support teens and young adults in building confidence, independence, and lifelong self-management skills while maintaining safety and quality of life.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
11:45-12:45 Lunch
Info: Enjoy a complimentary lunch while connecting with providers, community partners, and other families navigating epilepsy. This dedicated networking time offers an opportunity to share experiences, exchange resources, ask questions, and build meaningful connections within the epilepsy community before the afternoon sessions begin.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 AM
12:45PM- Epilepsy, Emotions, Independence
Host: Ashley Phillips, PhD Clinical Psychologist
Info: Adolescence and young adulthood can bring unique emotional, social, and developmental challenges for individuals living with epilepsy. In this session, Dr. Phillips will explore the relationship between epilepsy and mental health, including common concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, and social isolation that may emerge during the teen years and beyond.
Participants will learn how to recognize signs of emotional distress, support healthy coping strategies, and navigate difficult conversations when a young person may be reluctant to seek help. The session will also discuss how epilepsy can impact independence, identity, relationships, school, work, and future goals, while providing guidance on fostering resilience and confidence during the transition to adulthood. Attendees will leave with practical tools, resources, and a greater understanding of how to support the emotional well-being and independence of adolescents and young adults living with epilepsy
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
1:45PM- Refreshment Break
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
2:00PM- Epilepsy Surgery, School Success & Resources for Transition-Aged Youth
Host: Monika Jones- Founder/CEO of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery
Info: As adolescents and young adults with epilepsy prepare for greater independence, families often face important questions about treatment options, educational support, and planning for the future. This session will provide an overview of epilepsy surgery, including when surgery may be considered, the evaluation process, potential benefits, and what families can expect before and after treatment.
Speakers will also discuss resources available to transition-aged youth as they navigate high school, college, employment, healthcare transitions, and independent living. In addition, attendees will learn about educational supports available through schools, including 504 Plans, IEPs, seizure action plans, accommodations, and strategies for partnering with educators to help students succeed safely and confidently in the classroom.
Participants will leave with a better understanding of advanced treatment options, school advocacy tools, and community resources designed to support adolescents and
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
3:00PM- Panel of Providers for Questions
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:40 PM
3:30PM- Closing Remarks
🕑: 03:40 PM - 04:00 PM
3:40PM- Afterparty & Community Mingle
Info: Stay and connect! Wrap up the day by visiting with speakers, providers, community partners, and fellow attendees in a relaxed setting. This informal networking opportunity allows participants to continue conversations, share experiences, explore resources, and build meaningful connections within the epilepsy community. Light refreshments will be available as we celebrate a successful day of learning, support, and collaboration.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 60.00
