Dr Dennis McGuire Conferences

Dr Dennis McGuire Conferences 2026

We recently welcomed renowned Down syndrome behavioural expert Dr Dennis McGuire for four inspiring and informative conferences in Sligo and Limerick between September 24th – 30th. With more than 35 years’ experience in mental health and developmental disabilities, Dr McGuire shared valuable insights into the behaviours, communication styles and emotional wellbeing of people with Down syndrome.

The conference was warmly received by professionals and parents alike. One professional described the session as “fantastic” and said it helped them better understand the behaviours and traits they see in students, while also providing practical ideas that will help them support students with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities in a more meaningful way.

Key takeaways included understanding the reasons behind withdrawal or shutdown, finding individual ways for people to communicate their feelings and difficulties, the importance of self-talk, supporting individuals across different environments and recognising signs of regression or changes in behaviour. Participants also gained a greater understanding of how social and emotional sensitivity, memory, and past experiences can influence behaviour.

For parents, the opportunity to meet others, share experiences and listen to Dr McGuire was equally meaningful. One parent shared that “a weight has been lifted off me today” after listening to Dr McGuire and connecting with other parents. Others appreciated the chance to hear different experiences and described the event as a very informative and worthwhile day.

We would like to sincerely thank Dr Dennis McGuire, all the parents and professionals who attended, and everyone involved in organising the conference. We are grateful for all the feedback received, including positive comments, as well as suggestions for improvement. This feedback will help us when planning future events and ensure that they are as valuable and engaging as possible for both families and professionals.