On Saturday, October 22, 2005, Charles Fox will be speaking at the annual Educational Seminar for the Fragile X Resource Group of Greater Chicago. The Seminar will run from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Wyndham O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. Charles Fox will present his views on advocacy and consensus building between parents, educators, and school administrators during the IEP process. Parents, therapists, educators, and anyone else interested in learning more about fragile X syndrome are invited to attend. Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) will be available.
Fragile X syndrome is the leading inherited cause of mental impairment, affecting both males and females throughout the world. Symptoms range from learning disabilities to severe mental impairment and autistic behaviors. Nearly one in 250 women and 1 in 800 men carry the gene linked to fragile X syndrome. Adult male carriers can develop fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) in later life. Female carriers often experience premature ovarian failure and early onset menopause. There is no cure for fragile X syndrome.
The Educational Seminar will feature speakers from Duke University Children's Hospital in North Carolina and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, as well as local speech and occupational therapists. Topics include the latest research and best educational approaches for children with fragile X syndrome. Local experts on special education law and financial planning will also participate.
Registration for the conference is $75.00 and includes lunch. Registration forms and payment must be received by October 17, 2005. For more information about attending the conference, contact the Fragile X Resource Group of Greater Chicago via email at [email protected] or by calling 847-465-1245.
Conference topics include an update on fragile X research by local pediatric neurologist Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, M.D., a leading researcher of fragile X syndrome at Rush University in Chicago. Dr. Ave Lachiewicz of Duke University Children's Hospital will speak about Approaches to the Treatment of fragile X syndrome and Strategies for Working with Attention Deficit Disorders and Behavioral Issues. Therapist Dawn Rohlick of Duke will discuss sensory issues associated with children with fragile X syndrome. Dr. Allyn McConkie-Rosell and Dr. Gail Spiridigliozzi, both also from Duke University, will speak about Understanding the Genetics of fragile X syndrome and Assessing the Educational Strengths and Needs of a Child with fragile X syndrome.
Local therapist Betty Hurder will discuss her work using play therapy strategies, while Dr. Gail Harris-Schmidt of St. Xavier University will speak about Speech and Language Characteristics and Intervention. Local attorney Charles Fox will present his views on Advocacy and Consensus Building between parents, educators, and school administrators during the IEP process. Speakers will present their topics in small group break-out sessions and will be available for individual questions throughout the day.
For more information about fragile X syndrome, visit the National Fragile X Foundation Website. For directions to the Wyndham O'Hare, call 847-297-1234.
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