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 fragilexchicago@aol.com 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.