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:

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:

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.

JOIN US ON SUNDAY ALSO!
We are thrilled to offer Down Syndrome Regression Disorder Deep Dive on Sunday 23 March from 10am to 11.45am with Dr Joaquin Espinosa, Dianne Draganovic and Debbe Fitzalan. See full details and register separately for this event here: https://events.humanitix.com/d...

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

ACCOMMODATION PARTNER

If you are travelling to Sydney for this event: our friends at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel are offering a discount for symposium attendees, right in the heart of the city at this historic mid range hotel. Simply phone +61 2 9284 1000 and use code DSI2025