KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Pre-Convention Workshop
Tuesday, November 14, 1 - 4 p.m.
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Daryl A. Scott, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
Identifying Genetic Causes: When to Test and Benefits
Dr. Scott will describe when genetic testing should be obtained and when testing is unlikely to provide additional insight into a child’s medical problems. He will briefly outline the optimal genetic testing strategy for individuals with behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders in the context of common genetic disorders like Down syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and fragile X syndrome. Various examples will be provided of how physicians and families have worked together to use “negative” test results to identify new genes responsible for these disorders. In doing so, he will explain how modern gene discover efforts take advantage of large clinical databases, international collaborative networks, and animal models. Dr. Scott will also describe how these discoveries have not only helped the families that have participated in these studies but have the potential to help other families affected by these disorders.
Please note: There is a separate registration fee for this workshop.
Opening Session
Wednesday, November 15, 8:45 - 10:30 a.m.
Erik W. Carter, Ph.D., FAIDD, Professor, Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Developmental Disabilities, Baylor University
The Road to Belonging: Glancing Backward, Moving Forward
The Road to Belonging: Glancing Backward, Moving Forward How can our schools, workplaces, congregations, and communities become places of inclusion and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? What are the postures and practices that matter most? In this keynote, Erik Carter will share a powerful framework for reflecting upon and fostering belonging within the communities that matter most to the individuals we serve and love. Gain fresh insights into the roles we can each play—individually and collectively—to spur change within communities that still struggle to widen their welcome and deepen their embrace.