2023-2024 NC Down Syndrome Virtual Speakers Series

12/13 Unraveling Down Syndrome and Autism

7:30 pm

**Please note that this event will be held on the second Wednesday of December: 12/13**

Unraveling Down Syndrome and Autism

Lina Patel, PsyD

An estimated 20% of individuals with Down syndrome can have a co-occurring diagnosis of autism. This presentation will discuss the characteristics of autism in Down syndrome, methods for diagnosing, best practices for a new diagnosis, and priority interventions that are useful across the spectrum. Dr. Patel will also cover tips for navigating a dual diagnosis as well as what might be overlooked with a dual diagnosis.

Lina Patel, PsyD is an Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, practicing at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Patel is the Director of the Down Syndrome Behavioral Health Collaborative, a virtual clinic providing tele-behavioral health services to children, teens, and young adults with Down syndrome. She provides consultation with schools, parent training regarding the management of challenging or unsafe behaviors, toilet training, and desensitization to medical devices (such as hearing aids and CPAP), and evaluation for dual diagnoses, including autism. She has worked with hundreds of individuals with Down syndrome. Outside of her clinical work, she conducts research as the Director of Neurodevelopmental, Behavioral and Cognitive Assessment at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. Additionally, she has presented to numerous organizations across the country and internationally and is the coauthor "Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome: Lose the Diapers, Not Your Patience."

Registration opens on November 1st.

Registration closes on December 11th.

1/17 Skin Conditions and Down syndrome

7:30 pm

Skin Conditions and Down syndrome

Jillian Rork, MD

In this session, you will learn about skin conditions seen in people with Down syndrome. The skin is our biggest organ and certainly the most visible, so there will be a lot to discuss! We will start with more common conditions such as dry skin and lips, folliculitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia areata, and infections such as athlete's foot. We will also discuss less common but important skin conditions to know about including syringomas and elastosis perforans serpiginosa. We will focus on practical tips on how to take care of these conditions. When appropriate, we will discuss how the immune system interacts with the skin and could explain why certain skin conditions are more common in people with Down syndrome.

Dr. Jillian Rork is a pediatric dermatologist at Dartmouth Health in Manchester, New Hampshire. She is also a clinical assistant professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School. She grew up in New Hampshire, attended Dartmouth College where she majored in French, and then Harvard Medical School. She is passionate about all things skin and Down syndrome. She specializes in treating individuals with Down syndrome and promoting education and research in this area. She is the co-chair of the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance Down Syndrome Subgroup and collaborates regularly with colleagues within the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group. Dr. Rork loves reading, playing the saxophone, fly fishing, trying new foods, and hanging out with her husband, two kids, and lop-eared bunny.

Registration opens on December 1st.

Registration closes on January 15th.

2/21 Promoting Mental Health Throughout the Lifespan for Individuals with Down Syndrome

7:30 pm

Promoting Mental Health Throughout the Lifespan for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Abby Rowley, LCSW

Mental health is a critical component of overall well being. In this session, commonly seen mental health concerns at various phases of life will be presented. Topics will include life transitions, grief/loss, relationships, and more. Families and caregivers will learn practical strategies to help promote mental health throughout the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome in order to work to prevent more serious mental health/behavioral issues. 

Abby Rowley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works at the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, Illinois. She previously worked as a case manager in a residential community for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as in the school system as a social worker.

Registration closes on February 19th.