Navigating Strengths, Gifts & Challenges

Join us on World Down Syndrome Day

Navigating Strengths, Gifts & Challenges - A DSNSW Workshop with Dennis McGuire, Julian Trollor and Audrey O’Connor

Date: Friday 21 March, 2025

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

Location: Online & Crowne Plaza, 58 Bathurst Street, Sydney

Format: Online & In person

Ticket Cost: Free

Afternoon tea will be provided

Please clink the LINK to view the agenda.

Join us for an insightful workshop led by world-leading experts, exploring the strengths, gifts, and challenges of people with Down syndrome and the best strategies to support their needs.

In his workshop "The Gifts and Challenges Exchange, for & by Families of Children & Adults with Down Syndrome," international expert Dennis Mcguire will explore the unique behavioural characteristics of people with Down syndrome and the lessons learnt for best strategies when problems occur arising from these unique characteristics, including:

• self-talk
• “grooves”
• a heightened sensitivity to emotions
• a receptiveness to visual cues
• a photographic-like visual memory.

Audrey O’Connor and Professor Julian Trollor will share their experience and knowledge about the National Centre of Excellence and its role in improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disability.

About The Speakers

• Dr Dennis McGuire is a world-leading expert in Down syndrome behaviour, with over 35 years of experience in mental health and developmental disabilities. A sought-after keynote speaker at international events, he is the co-author of two widely recognised books on promoting wellbeing in adults with Down syndrome: Mental Wellness of Adults with Down Syndrome and The Guide to Good Health for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome. Download his free book Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome.
  
• Audrey O’Connor, a member of the Learn and Lead Group, is part of a team of individuals with intellectual disability sharing their lived experiences to inform better healthcare decisions in collaboration with the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health.
• Professor Julian Trollor, Director of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, is widely recognised as a world-leading expert in health policy, practice, and supports for people with an intellectual disability. A renowned neuropsychiatrist, he has been instrumental in advancing intellectual disability mental health and founded the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN) at UNSW Sydney.