Programme - Down Syndrome Research Forum 2024

The Down Syndrome Research Forum is a regular international event where researchers, students, practitioners, and families meet to discuss current research and practice, and learn from each other.

Day 1

09:30 - (BST)

Welcome

Symposium

9:35 - 10:50 (BST)

Into the wild! Understanding the development of young children with Down syndrome in everyday interactions and environments

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Organiser

Hana D'Souza

10:50 - 11:05 (BST)

Break

Paper

11:05 (BST)

Shape Research, Change Lives: Setting priorities in genetic syndrome research.

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Lead Author

Laura Cristescu

Paper

11:25 (BST)

Perspectives of Neurodivergent Adults on Research

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Lead Author

Aunnika D. Short

Paper

11:45 (BST)

From observations to advice: putting research into practice and bringing practice into research – at global scale.

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Lead Author

Frank Buckley

12:15 - 13:00 (BST)

Lunch

Paper

13:00 (BST)

Stimulating Speech Production in Children with Down Syndrome

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Lead Author

Demi Savva

Paper

13:20 (BST)

Using the Babbleplay App to promote vocalising in babies with Down syndrome

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Lead Author

Tamar Keren-Portnoy

Paper

13:40 (BST)

Babble Boot Camp for infants with Down syndrome: Pilot study of a proactive parent-led intervention

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Lead Author

Beate Peter

14:00 - 14:15 (BST)

Break

Keynote

14:15 (BST)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Intervention Research and Young Children with Down Syndrome: Exploring Opportunities.

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Speaker

MaryAnn Romski

15:15 (BST)

Break

Paper

15:30 (BST)

Staff perceptions’ and experiences’ of using key word signing with children with Down syndrome and their peers, in the first year of mainstream primary education

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Lead Author

Norma O' Leary

Paper

15:50 (BST)

Exploring the use of AAC by children and young people with Down syndrome and their communication partners

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Lead Author

Elaine Scougal

Paper

16:10 (BST)

A pilot feasibility case-series study of a customised parent-child interaction intervention for children with Down syndrome: The J-EMT + Sign Ireland Project.

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Lead Author

Hannah Moloney

16:30 - 16:45 (BST)

Break

Paper

16:45 (BST)

Shared storybook reading and joint engagement during play by toddlers with Down syndrome

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Lead Author

Sarah Woodford

Paper

17:05 (BST)

Shared book reading with young pre-school children with Down syndrome: exploring parent-child interactions and language boosting behaviours

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Lead Author

Mirjana Jeremic

17:25 - 17:40 (BST)

Break

Paper

17:40 (BST)

Exploring the Receptive Language Abilities of Children with Down Syndrome

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Lead Author

Emma Conradi

Paper

18:00 (BST)

Variability of Language Comprehension Assessments used with Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome

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Lead Author

Kendall Willems

Paper

18:20 (BST)

Interactions between friends with and without Down syndrome.

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Lead Author

Susan Foster-Cohen

18:40 - 18:50 (BST)

Closing Discussion

Day 2

10:00 - 10:05 (BST)

Welcome

Paper

10:05 (BST)

Raising educational outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome: Findings from a larger systematic review of targeted interventions for individuals with SEND

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Lead Author

Jo Van Herwegen

Paper

10:25 (BST)

Parent's Issues in 2024 with the Education of their Children at Primary & Post Primary Stages: An Internal Down Syndrome Ireland Research Project

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Lead Author

Fidelma Brady

Paper

10:45 (BST)

Attentional processes as predictors of early numeracy for children with Down’s Syndrome

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Lead Author

Gaia Scerif

Paper

11:05 (BST)

Explicit and Implicit Mentalising in Down Syndrome, Prader– Willi Syndrome, and Autism

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Lead Author

Lauren Jenner

11:25 - 11:40 (BST)

Break

Paper

11:40 (BST)

Extraordinary Benefits of Theater for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A look at three CSP participant modules and how theater has positively impacted short-term and long-term benefits.

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Lead Author

Leah Chapa

Paper

12:00 (BST)

Embracing Inclusivity: National Gallery of Modern Art's Initiatives for Individuals with Down Syndrome

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Lead Author

Shashi Bala

Paper

12:20 (BST)

Advisory Councils with Adults with Down syndrome

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Lead Author

Kim O'Kelly

Paper

12:40 (BST)

DSI National Employment Programme: achievements to date and employer perspectives.

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Lead Author

Aoife Gaffney

13:00 - 13:45 (BST)

Lunch

Keynote

13:45 (BST)

Reading skills in individuals with Down syndrome.

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Speaker

Susan Loveall

14:45 (BST)

Break

Paper

15:00 (BST)

Implementing the Reading Strand of the RLI: Insights from Down Syndrome Tipperary

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Lead Author

Susanna Stokes

Paper

15:20 (BST)

Parent-Delivered Early Language Intervention for Children with Down Syndrome (PACT-DS): A feasibility study.

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Lead Author

Rebecca Baxter

Paper

15:40 (BST)

Revisiting early reading in young children with Down syndrome – the practical and theoretical implications

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Lead Author

Sue Buckley

Paper

16:00 (BST)

Longitudinal predictors of feeding problems and weight in children with Down syndrome

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Lead Author

Laura Hielscher

16:20 - 16:35 (BST)

Break

Keynote

16:35 (BST)

Developmental foundations in infants with Down syndrome: Research to inform anticipatory practices.

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Speaker

Debbie Fidler

17:35 (BST)

Break

Paper

17:50 (BST)

Cross-national feasibility of a novel, parent-mediated executive function intervention for young children with Down syndrome

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Lead Author

Miranda E. Pinks

Paper

18:10 (BST)

Developmental profiles, variability, and skills acquisition in preschool age children with Down syndrome

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Lead Author

S. Onnivello

18:30 - 18:40 (BST)

General Discussion and Questions