World Down Syndrome Day Workshop by Dennis McGuire Ph.D - The Gifts & Challenges Exchange

Join us for an incredible workshop on World Down Syndrome Day with:

    - Dennis McGuire Ph.D.

    - Prof. Julian Trollor & Audrey O'Connor - The Centre of Excellence in Intellectual        Disability Health

Date: Friday 21 March, 2025

Time: 1.00pm - 5.00pm (NSW/DEST)

Location: Crowne Plaza, 58 Bathurst Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Format: In person and Online

Ticket Cost: Free

Afternoon tea will be provided

Please clink the LINK to view the agenda.

The Gifts and Challenges Exchange, for & by Families of Children & Adults with Down Syndrome

Join us for a unique and empowering event designed specifically for families of teens and adults with Down syndrome. Led by Dennis McGuire, this presentation will dive deep into the 7 key challenges faced by many families, as reported by thousands at the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Chicago. These challenges include: 

• Self-talk 

• The ‘groove’ phenomenon 

• Social emotional issues 

• Expressive language adaptations and limitations 

• The need for independence 

• Concrete thought and behavior 

These challenges have been field-tested and validated over 30+ years by families just like yours. Through this presentation, Dennis will highlight how parents and family members have invaluable insights and understanding of their loved ones, more than anyone else can offer. 

We will also foster an open, dynamic space for families to share their own experiences, challenges, and solutions. After the brief overview of the 7 key challenges, participants will be invited to: 

• Share their personal challenges, both past and present 

• Exchange creative and innovative strategies for overcoming those challenges 

• Engage in a discussion about other topics of interest or concern for families 

Come ready to connect, share, and learn in this supportive, family-driven workshop. Let’s build a space for a meaningful exchange among families. 

About the Presenter: Dennis E. McGuire, Ph.D.  
Dennis E. McGuire, Ph.D., Dr. McGuire is a Down syndrome behavioral expert and has more than 35 years of experience in the fields of mental health and developmental disabilities. He is Former consultant, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Denver, Colorado) and the former Director of Psychosocial Services for the Adult Down Syndrome Center of Lutheran General Hospital in suburban Chicago, the largest, most prestigious clinic for adults with Down syndrome in the United States. He helped establish the center, which served over 4,000 unique adult patients with Down syndrome each year. Dr. McGuire keynotes at events around the world and is the co-author of two prominent books about promoting well being in adults with Down syndrome: Mental Wellness of Adults with Down Syndrome, published in 2006, a new edition in 2020, and The Guide to Good Health for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome, published in 2011, both by Woodbine House. He received the National Down Syndrome Congress Theodore D. Tjossem Research Award in 2003 and the World Down Syndrome Day Scientific Award in 2010. Dr. McGuire received his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his master degree from the University of Chicago. 

Download his free book Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome.

Membership is essential to attend this event.

Membership is FREE. Sign up here: Become a Member – Down Syndrome NSW

We kindly ask that each person attending register and purchase a ticket.