Down Syndrome Association NT Inc. Symposium

Down Syndrome Association Northern Territory Inc. Symposium

📅 Date: Friday, 28th March 2025
📍 Location: Flinders University, Royal Darwin Hospital, Building 4

🕗 Session One: 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM (Families, professionals, allied health, nurses, midwives)
🕔 Session Two: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Doctors, nurses, allied health, research students, health researchers)

Join us for the Down Syndrome Association NT Symposium, where internationally recognised expert Dr. Joaquin Espinosa will present groundbreaking research on Down syndrome. As Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Dr. Espinosa leads the world’s largest research hub dedicated to Down syndrome. His pioneering work has helped uncover critical medical insights, including immune system regulation, hypoxia, and growth hormone dysregulation—paving the way for new treatments and clinical trials that could transform care for people with trisomy 21.

Key Topics Covered by Dr. Espinosa:

Dysregulation of Growth Hormone Signalling in Down Syndrome – Understanding how growth hormone imbalances impact physical development and new potential treatment strategies.

Hypoxia in Down Syndrome: Causes, Consequences & Clinical Trials – Insights into how reduced oxygen availability affects individuals with Down syndrome, leading to health challenges and intervention opportunities.

Autoimmunity in Down Syndrome: Medical Insights & Future Treatments – The latest research on how immune system hyperactivity increases the risk of autoimmune conditions, Alzheimer's disease, and how JAK inhibitors could provide life-changing benefits.

Dr. Espinosa’s Research Impact: He leads the Human Trisome Project, the most extensive Down syndrome research initiative globally, studying over 1,500 participants to accelerate medical advancements. His work is shaping new treatment approaches to improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome.

PLUS: Special Guest Speaker – Emily Caska!

We are also thrilled to welcome Emily Caska, Founder of the Down Syndrome Institute, who will provide an exclusive update on the Down Syndrome Hub—a vital resource designed to support families, professionals, and the wider community. The Hub offers essential tools, research, and connections to empower individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them.

Join us for the Down Syndrome Association NT Inc. Symposium, a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research and medical advancements in Down syndrome.

Why Attend?

✅ Gain insights into the latest Down syndrome research and clinical trials
✅ Learn about the connection between immune system hyperactivity and developmental characteristics
✅ Understand emerging medical advancements and therapeutic options
✅ Stay informed about support resources through the Down Syndrome Hub
✅ Connect with leading professionals in health, research, and disability advocacy

Special Feature: Enjoy a light morning tea or evening snack prepared and served by students from Catering 21, a program that provides hands-on hospitality training for young people with Down syndrome.

This event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about Down syndrome research, healthcare, and inclusion. Whether you're a family member, healthcare professional, or researcher, this symposium offers unparalleled insights from world-leading experts.

Register now to be part of this important conversation on the future of Down syndrome research and care!