Day with the Experts: Down Syndrome

Learn about advances in research and clinical services and hear from a panel of experts—individuals with Down syndrome and family members.

Hosted in partnership with the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society and GiGi’s Playhouse
Sponsored by the Friends of the Waisman Center

To learn more about the series visit: Waisman Center Day with the Experts Outreach Page.
Note: All Day with the Experts presentations are recorded and archived.

For additional details call 608.263.5837 or email to palumbo@waisman.wisc.edu

FREE ADMISSION & PARKING • EVERYONE WELCOME • PLEASE PRE-REGISTER

Event Details

Schedule & Program

9:00–9:15 am	“Welcome and Introduction to the Waisman Center” Qiang Chang, PhD, Director, Waisman Center
9:15–9:45 am	“Co-occurring Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Risk Factors, Research, and Resources”
	Lindsay McCary, PhD Clinic Director, Waisman Autism & Developmental Disabilities Clinic Research indicates anywhere from 5-39% of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a co-occurring diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Moss, 2009; DiGuiseppi, 2010). However, families report that recognition of this and access to appropriate evaluations are challenging. This presentation will discuss information regarding risk-factors for ASD in individuals with DS, proper evaluation tools and techniques, as well as resources and common recommendations. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the overlap of these two conditions.
9:45–10:15 am	“Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease: Defining a Pathway Toward Prevention”
	Bradley Christian, PhD Professor, Medical Physics and Waisman Investigator Individuals with Down syndrome are living longer and healthier lives due to improved medical care and access to services. As individuals with DS grow older, there is an increased risk of developing diseases related to aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is much greater and may have an earlier onset for people with DS than the general population. We are studying the progression of changes in the brain, behavior, and lifestyle of individuals with DS as related to Alzheimer’s, focused on possible clinical trials for the delay and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
	Break
10:30–11:00 am	“Take a Peek! Video Modeling and Video Instruction: A Power Tool for Learning Stuff!”
	Elizabeth Delsandro, MS, CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist, Waisman Center Clinics Do you need to frequently guide your child through activities that have multiple steps? Does your child show the desire to complete activities independently but still needs your help (e.g., feeding a family pet, getting ready in the morning, or ordering at a restaurant)? If so, video modeling may be a strategy to help your child toward more independence and increased pride in getting the job done. This presentation will introduce different types of video modeling and provide an overview of research that supports the use of video modeling for teaching a variety of skills.
11:00–11:30 am	Question and answer session with a panel of clinicians
11:30 am– 12:15 pm	PANEL DISCUSSION A panel of experts that includes individuals with Down Syndrome and family members.