Nationwide Children’s Hospital will host “A Healthy You and 22q Conference” 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the hospital. The conference is designed for and intended to educate parents, caregivers and patients with 22q. As part of the conference, an awareness walk will be held the following day, Sunday, September 22.
22q deletion syndrome has been called by many names, reflecting the constellation of clinical manifestations that have been identified over time. More recently, molecular genetic research has revealed that there is a small amount of genetic material missing, termed a microdeletion, on the short arm (referred to as the q arm) of chromosome 22. Each child with 22q deletion syndrome faces unique challenges. Given the wide spectrum of medical, developmental and psychological needs of affected patients, optimal treatment requires an individualized and comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment by a team of experts who understand the unique needs of patients.
The conference agenda includes everything from general medical concerns, to genetics and educational strategies. There will be an opportunity to participate in live "chat rooms" with local and national experts allowing for a roundtable discussion. Chats will be broadcast live on the internet. Light refreshments and a BBQ picnic lunch will be provided.
Separate sessions will be offered during the conference including tracks designed for late high school/college (ages 16-24), young teens (ages 12-15) and school age (ages 7-11). Children must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.
The keynote speaker for the conference is Tony J. Simon, PhD, a pediatric cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Davis Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute and also a professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Conference registration is $25 for adults and teens and children are free. The registration fee for professionals is $50.
To register for the conference and for more information, visit NationwideChildrens.org/22q-conference.
The 22q Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides children and their families with access to a multidisciplinary team of expert clinicians who understand these special needs. Under the joint directorship of Richard E. Kirschner, MD, FACS, FAAP, chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and speech scientist Adriane Baylis, PhD, CCC-SLP, both of Nationwide Children’s, the 22q Center team provides comprehensive individualized diagnostic and management services for patients.