Dr Dennis McGuire Workshops with Down Syndrome Ireland
Dr Dennis McGuire returns to Ireland this September to host a series of events with Down Syndrome Ireland in Sligo and Limerick for both families and professionals.
Dr Dennis McGuire is a renowned Down syndrome behavioural expert, with more than 35 years of experience in the fields of mental health and developmental disabilities. He is former consultant, Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Denver, Colorado) and the former Director of Psychosocial Services for the Adult Down Syndrome Center of Lutheran General Hospital in suburban Chicago, the largest, most prestigious clinic for adults with Down syndrome in the United States.
He helped establish the center, which served over 4,000 unique adult patients with Down syndrome each year. Dr. McGuire keynotes at events around the world and is the co-author of two prominent books about promoting wellbeing in adults with Down syndrome: Mental Wellness of Adults with Down Syndrome, published in 2006, a new edition in 2021, and The Guide to Good Health for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome, published in 2011, both by Woodbine House. He received the National Down Syndrome Congress Theodore D. Tjossem Research Award in 2003 and the World Down Syndrome Day Scientific Award in 2010. Dr. McGuire received his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his master’s degree from the University of Chicago.
Learn more:
Families Learning Together: Supporting Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome – Sept 25th & 30th
This interactive workshop is suitable for parents/guardians of individuals aged 15 years and over, and will focus on the transition to adulthood and the unique social, emotional and practical challenges that arise during the teenage and adult years. Drawing on Dr McGuire’s extensive experience and the lived experiences of families, participants will explore practical strategies while learning from one another in a supportive environment.
Topics include:
- Understanding the 8 key psychosocial characteristics commonly seen in people with Down syndrome
- Mental health, anxiety and emotional wellbeing
- Self-talk and behavioural patterns (“the groove”)
- Building independence while maintaining appropriate supports
- Communication and expressive language
- Friendships, relationships and community inclusion
- Ageing, grief, loss and life transitions
- Regression and recognising when further assessment may be needed
- Open discussion on issues identified by participants
Families will also have the opportunity to share practical solutions, successful strategies and experiences that have made a difference in everyday life.
Professional Development Day: Supporting Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome – Sept 24th & 29th
This practical professional development workshop is designed for those supporting adolescents and adults with Down syndrome across disability, health, education and community settings. Combining current best practice with decades of clinical experience, the session will help participants better understand the emotional, behavioural and cognitive profile associated with Down syndrome and provide practical approaches that can be applied immediately.
Suitable for
- Support Workers
- Social Care Workers
- Nurses
- Allied Health Professionals
- Psychologists
- Teachers and SNAs
- Day Service Staff
- Residential Staff
- Managers
- Family members wishing to deepen their knowledge
Topics include
Understanding the Person
- The psychosocial profile of people with Down syndrome
- Communication beyond words
- Emotional regulation and anxiety
- Understanding behaviour as communication
- Self-talk and behavioural patterns (“the groove”)
Mental Health & Ageing
- Depression and anxiety
- Recognising regression and changes in functioning
- Dementia versus regression
- Supporting grief and significant life changes