Angelman Syndrome Foundation, International Angelman Syndrome Organization Joint Conference in Washington, D.C., July 1-5 6/4/2003
From: Ann Roth 1-800-IF-Angel, aroth@asihq.com News Advisory: The Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) and the International Angelman Syndrome Organization (IASO) will hold a joint conference in Washington, D.C., July 1 - July 5 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1000 H Street, NW. This is the 8th biennial conference for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and the second conference for the International Angelman Syndrome Organization. The conference aims to inform and educate parents, professionals, and researchers about the origins, treatment, and management of Angelman Syndrome. Scientists, therapists, educators and family members from around the world will have the opportunity to exchange and share their projects and experiences related to Angelman Syndrome. Angelman Syndrome is a neurological disorder that is often misdiagnosed as either autism or cerebral palsy. People with Angelman Syndrome can not speak, are developmentally delayed, have difficulty with balance and walking, sometimes laugh inappropriately and experience seizures that can often be severe. The incidence of AS in the population is estimated as 1 - 10,000 to 1 - 20,000. Angelman Syndrome occurs equally in males, females and all ethnic groups. Very few adults or minority children have been diagnosed. Angelman Syndrome is a malfunction of the ubiquitin protein gene, located in the region of the UBE3A gene on the 15th chromosome. Research in treatments for Angelman Syndrome will lead to break throughs in the treatment and understanding of seizures, autism and many other neurological and genetic disorders. One important goal of the joint ASF/IASO conference will be to stimulate international scientific collaboration on Angelman Syndrome research. The conference will include a two-day scientific track, which will feature the most prominent experts and researchers on Angelman Syndrome. The scientific track will offer up to 12 hours of Category 1 CME credit. The conference will also include 4 days of workshops and information sessions for families, educators and therapists, which will focus on issues of communication, behavior management, methods of therapy and skill management. ------ For more information or to register for the ASF/IASO Conference, contact Ann Roth, 1-800-IF-Angel or at aroth@asihq.com. or visit the Angelman Syndrome web site at http://www.angelman.org |