Hi everyone,
We have a (very) preliminary agenda put together for the 2008
conference. Things could change and not all speakers are confirmed
yet, but I thought everyone might like to see what we have so far.
It is really going to be a GREAT conference and I am excited about
all of the experts that will be coming from all over the world.

Tentative schedule of speakers/topics:

Wednesday afternoon:
Session 1: Genetic technologies

Marie Del'Aquilla, Ph.D., (Professor, Director of Clinical Genetics
Lab, UCSD): "Overview of basic genetics principles" (60 min)

Yanfeng Yang, Ph.D. (Sequenom Inc, La Jolla, Cal): "New technologies
for non-invasive prenatal genetic diagnosis"(60 min)

Wednesday (pm) Welcome/Introductions/Keynote speaker?

Thursday (am)
Session 2: Genes for Neurocognition in 11q

Teresa Mattina, M.D. (Professor of Pediatrics, Catania, Italy):
Update on the clinical aspects of Jacobsen syndrome (60 min)

Paul Grossfeld, M.D (Assistant Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics,
UCSD).: Identification of candidate genes for neurocognitive and
behavioral problems in 11q (45 min)

Mathias Treier (Ph.D) (Assistant Professor, European Molecular
Biology Laboratories, Heidelberg, Germany): The role of BSX1, a
brain homeobox protein, in brain development and function:
Implications for 11q- patients"(60 min)

K.P. Huang, Ph.D., National Institutes of Health: The role of
Neurogranin in learning: Implications for 11q- patients

Thursday(pm)
Session 3: Therapeutic approaches for neurocognitive and behavioral
problems in 11q-

Martin Stein, M.D., (Professor of Pediatrics, UCSD): The use of
medications for children with behavioral disorders

Barbara Reuer, Ph.D. "Music therapy for children with developmental
disorders"

Panel Discussion: Drs. Mattina, Grossfeld, Treier, Huang, Stein,
Reuer) (60-120 min)

Parent led Break-out session?

Friday (am)
Session 4: Medical problems in 11q

Teresa Mattina, M.D., Catania, Italy "11q duplication disorders" (60
min)

Paul Grossfeld, M.D. "The hunt for the heart gene in 11q" (45 min)

Dr. Warren Shapiro, (Clinical Professor of
Pediatrics/Gastroenterology, UCSD): Causes and management of chronic
constipation in children with developmental disorders (60 min)

Peter Hammond (Ph.D., London): Characterization of dysmorphic
features of children with 11q- by 3-D imaging (possible, not
confirmed)

Friday(pm)
Session 5: 11q Duplications

Teresa Mattina, M.D. (Catania, Italy): Update on research on 11q
duplications (60 minutes, + 30 minutes for discussion)

Parent led Break-out sessions

Session 6: Saturday (am)

Jacque Martin (Parent) Raising an 11q Child into Adulthood

Sibling issues: (Parent)

Inclusion specialist (time not confirmed)

Parent led break-out sessions

Saturday (pm) 11q family activity

Sunday morning-hotel check-out

Clinical Asssessments:

1). Neurocognitive assessments for 11q- patients: Wednesday and
Thursday ONLY, at SDSU
2). 3-D imaging (?, if Dr. Hammond attends)
3). Music therapy?