Saturday, 19 April 2008, from 10.00 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. in the Lecture Theatre of No. 45 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
We are delighted to announce that the speakers will be Dr Vicki Sudhalter and Mr Colin Reilly. Dr Sudhalter is a foremost researcher in the area of hyperarousal in Fragile X syndrome and Mr Reilly is an educational psychologist working with St Michael's House who has a special interest in Fragile X syndrome and has carried out research on Fragile X syndrome in Ireland.
Adults and children affected by Fragile X syndrome (FXS) experience an inability to control their levels of arousal (caused by social or environmental stimuli) resulting in a state of hyperarousal and behaviours from mild anxious responses to extreme tantrum behaviour. The social situations that can cause hyperarousal include a change in routine or direct eye contact with strangers. Environmental stimuli include over stimulation of sensory inputs from loud sounds, bright flashing lights and visually complex or crowded environments.
Hyperarousal together with hyperactivity occurs in 70-90% of boys and 30-50% of girls with FXS. The outbursts that are driven by hyperarousal and anxiety can occur at home, in school or in placements with service providers. Understanding what triggers these outbursts and managing them with a 'sensory diet' and other approaches is very important. In the morning, Dr Sudhalter will describe hyperarousal and suggest important ways to manage the challenging behaviour that can result from these anxiety-driven outbursts.
After lunch Vicki Sudhalter and Colin Reilly will conduct an open workshop to answer any queries you might have about hyperarousal or issues relating to IEPs. The meeting will be followed by the AGM at which officers of the society and a management committee will be elected. This seminar is free, but places are limited to 50, so please confirm your attendance in advance by sending an e-mail to info@fragilex-ireland.org. Registration is between 10.00 and 10.30 a.m. A light lunch will be provided.