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Though geared toward professionals in nursing, psychology, pediatrics, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech pathology — families of children and adults with Down syndrome are encouraged to attend.
The event features keynote speaker Madeleine Will, National Down Syndrome Society Vice President of Public Policy and Director of the Policy Center, who is the parent of an adult son with Down syndrome.
Attendees also will hear from leading experts in behavioral, genetic and developmental medicine at MMI.
“The program will cover a range of important, and in some cases controversial, topics in Down syndrome health care today including prenatal testing, genetic counseling, public policy issues and select therapeutic interventions,” said Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., director of physical therapy and the Motion Analysis Lab at MMI and organizer of the symposium.
The multidisciplinary conference is the second annual symposium hosted by MMI. Last year’s event included a range of pediatric topics such as autism spectrum disorders, pediatric feeding disorders, ADHD and metabolic and genetic disorders.
This year the conference will focus strictly on improving the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
“MMI has a tradition of providing services and support to families of children with genetic disorders and developmental disabilities,” said Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D., interim director of MMI. “I believe the symposium will provide a perfect forum to share some of our expertise with health care professionals in the community.”