Join us as two of the world’s best share their wealth of expertise on Down syndrome for families, health professionals and people with Down syndrome.
Learn and connect as we explore key topics in our interactive symposium, with ample opportunities to connect, engage and ask questions.
Why Attend?
- Two World Class Speakers from the USA
- Key Critical Topics
- Fully Catered Lunch
- Highly Interactive Sessions
- Dedicated Focus on Down Syndrome
- Goodie Bags for All Attendees
- Free Take Home Resources For All Attendees
- Networking Opportunities
- Fabulous Sydney CBD Location
- Weekend Symposium for Regional/Rural Visitors
- 10 x Lucky Door Gift Packs from Tyrrell’s Wines
- And best part – it’s FREE!
DOWN SYNDROME SYMPOSIUM 2025
Keynote Speakers: Dr Joaquin Espinosa and Dr Dennis McGuire
Master of Ceremonies: Gerard O’Dwyer, Esteemed Award Winning Actor with Down Syndrome
When: Saturday 22 March 2025
Where: Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD
Time: 10am to 5pm
Cost: FREE
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS
Master of Ceremonies: Gerard O’Dwyer
10am to 1pm: Dr Joaquin Espinosa
Executive Director of The Linda Crnic Institute, Director, Human Trisome Project, Professor of Pharmacology, University of Colorado USA
Topics:
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- Dysregulation of Growth Hormone Signalling In Down Syndrome
- Autoimmunity in Down Syndrome : Medical Insights
- Hypoxia in Down Syndrome : Causes, Consequences and Clinical Trials
1pm to 2pm:
Lunch and Networking with Dr Espinosa and Dr McGuire
2pm to 5pm: Dr Dennis McGuire
Senior Consultant, Global Down Syndrome USA, World Leading Behavioural Expert, Co-Author, Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome + Guide to Good Health.
Topics:
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- Photographic + Visual Memory in Down Syndrome
- Understanding ‘The Groove’
- The Importance of Self Talk
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- People with Down Syndrome
- Parents and caregivers
- Siblings
- Health professionals of all disciplines
- Researchers, academics and scientists
- Medical, Health, Education and Social Work Students
We want everyone to avail themselves to this expert knowledge from two of the world’s very best.
We are honoured to offer this event free of charge to all attendees, thanks to our university and philanthropic supporters in keeping with our philosophy.
OUR SUPPORTERS
This event is proudly brought to you by:
- Down Syndrome Institute
- University of Colorado
- GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation
- Linda Crnic Institute
- Siblings Australia
- The Hon Dr Mike Freelander MP, Federal Member for Campbelltown
- Bell Partners
- Tyrrell’s Wines
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Professor Joaquin Espinosa
Executive Director of The Linda Crnic Institute
Director, Human Trisome Project
Professor of Pharmacology
University of Colorado USA
Born and raised in Argentina, Dr. Espinosa was the first in his family to attend college, receiving a B.S. degree in Biology from the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 1994, and a Ph. D.
Professor Espinosa is the Executive Director of The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, where he leads a large-scale research initiative focused on understanding and treating Down syndrome. His work centres on exploring gene networks, immune system disorders, and immunotherapy approaches for Down syndrome. Under his leadership, the Crnic Institute oversees 38 research teams and more than 140 scientists investigating various aspects of Down syndrome, making it the largest cluster of Down syndrome researchers in the world. He also directs the Human Trisomy Project, an extensive cohort study of the Down syndrome population. Professor Espinosa’s team has contributed significantly to the understanding of Down syndrome, particularly in relation to immune system dysfunction, and is pursuing innovative immunotherapy treatments. Additionally, he coordinates efforts with the Sie Centre for Down Syndrome, a leading Down syndrome clinic in the U.S.
Dr Dennis McGuire
Senior Consultant, Global Down Syndrome USA
World Leading Behavioural Expert
Co-Author, Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome + Guide to Good Health.
Dennis McGuire, LCSW, Ph.D., is a Senior Consultant at Global, specializing in adult initiatives for individuals with Down syndrome. He leads efforts to develop high-quality programs and services for teens and adults with Down syndrome, including establishing a multidisciplinary clinic and co-facilitating the Adult Medical Care Guidelines initiative. Dr. McGuire co-chairs the Adults with DS Task Force, which brings together various stakeholders to advise on meeting the needs of this population.
With over 30 years of experience in mental health and developmental disabilities, Dr. McGuire is a recognized expert in Down syndrome behavioural health. He previously served as the Director of Psychosocial Services at the Adult Down Syndrome Centre of Lutheran General Hospital, the largest clinic in the U.S. for adults with Down syndrome, serving over 4,000 patients annually. He has co-authored two influential books, Mental Wellness of Adults with Down Syndrome and The Guide to Good Health for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome (2011), and has received numerous accolades, including the National Down Syndrome Congress Theodore D. Tjossem Research Award and the World Down Syndrome Day Scientific Award.
In addition to his consulting work, Dr. McGuire maintains a private practice in the Chicago area, providing support to couples, families, and individuals. His expertise continues to shape the field of adult Down syndrome care and wellbeing.
Registration essential – please register to secure your ticket
