Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University School of Medicine
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Department of Human Genetics

2026 Emory Down Syndrome Research and Caregiver Symposium

Join researchers, caregivers, and advocates for a symposium focused on Down syndrome research and caregiving. This event will feature expert presentations, shared learning, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others in the community. 

Date:
Saturday, April 18, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST

Location:
Claudia Nance Rollins Building
Emory University
1518 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30322

Target Audience:
Parents, caregivers, and self-advocates. Students and professionals welcome.

Attendees at Emory Down Syndrome conference
Attendees at Emory Down Syndrome conference
Speaker at Emory Down Syndrome conference

Keynote Speaker: Martha Haythorn

Martha Haythorn is an award-winning disability rights advocate who is dedicated to advancing equality for people with disabilities. 

Martha Haythorn, Down syndrome advocate

 Agenda:

8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast – Exhibitors/Researchers at Tables
8:20 a.m. Welcome -- Tracie Rosser, PhD, Emory Down Syndrome Center
8:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker – From College to Adulthood: Becoming a Young Woman with Down Syndrome – Martha Haythorn, Self-Advocate, Atlanta, Georgia  
9:00 a.m. Common GI Issues in Children with Down Syndrome – Jose Garza, MD, GI Care for KIDS/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta   
9:45 a.m. Break/Exhibits
10:15 a.m. The INCLUDE Project: What Research is Teaching us about Child Development, Sleep and Adult Outcomes in Down Syndrome  – Melissa Parisi, MD, PhD, Chief, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch, NICHD/NIH
10:45 a.m. Clean & Confident: Strategies to Help Your Loved One with Down Syndrome Build Good Hygiene– Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, Senior Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center, Advocate Medical Group, Park Ridge, Illinois   
11:30 a.m. Question and Answer (Q&A) Opportunity 
11:45 a.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Advocacy and Community Resources – Sheryl Arno, Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta; Tamara Pursley, Executive Director/Clinic Director, Adult Disability Medical Healthcare  
1:15 p.m. Don't Let the BMI Drive the Bus: Advancing our Understanding of BMI in Youth & Adults with Down Syndrome – Andrea Kelly, MD, MSCE, Attending Physician, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Professor of Pediatrics, CE, Perelman School of Medicine of University of Pennsylvania   
2:00 p.m. Challenging Behaviors in Down Syndrome: Neurodevelopmental Insights and Effective Strategies – Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, Pediatric Neurologist Director of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome, Children’s Hospital Colorado   
2:45 p.m. Break/Exhibits
3:15 p.m. Empowering Families: Strategies to Support Healthy Sexuality in Down Syndrome – Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L, Senior Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center, Advocate Medical Group, Park Ridge, Illinois   
4:00 p.m. Alzheimer’s Disease – Sigan Hartley, PhD, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison   
4:45 p.m. Emory Down Syndrome Research Update – Tracie Rosser, PhD, Emory Down Syndrome Center
5:00 p.m. Adjourn and Exhibits