2012 Gatlinburg Conference on Research and Theory in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Location: Annapolis, MD
http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/gatlinburg About the 2011 Gatlinburg Conference
The Gatlinburg Conference continues its tradition as one of the premier conferences in the United States for behavioral scientists conducting research in intellectual and related developmental disabilities. This year's theme is: Rare and Neglected IDD Disorders: A Case Study in 15q.
Knowledge about genetic syndromes associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities has increased tremendously in the past several years. Basic and clinical scientists are collaborating on investigations into the biological, behavioral, familial and cultural impact of several complex developmental disabilities with known genetic etiologies. In an effort to elucidate the processes, practices, and outcomes associated with studying or intervening with persons with relatively rare genetic abnormalities, we have decided to focus this year's conference on one particular chromosome - 15q. Beginning with an integrated discussion of the complexities of conducting interdisciplinary science in rare genetic disorders, we hope to provide a series of invited talks on conditions associated with 15q, drawn from different perspectives (e.g., genetics, behavioral science, family issues), with the goal of addressing the following questions:
- How does what we have learned about 15q inform us about designing and implementing basic and clinical studies in developmental disabilities?
- How do subtle alterations in genetics translate into observable behavioral phenomena?
- What do families of persons with rare genetic abnormalities experience as they try to navigate educational and medical treatment systems? Are specific conditions associated with specific stressors?
- How does culture impact practice and research of rare genetic disorders?
While we anticipate that participants will broaden their knowledge of disorders associated with 15q (such as Angelman Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Autism), the primary objective of this year's conference is to stimulate cross-disciplinary discussions regarding scientific and practical collaborations in the area of rare disorders.
Important dates to remember:
- October 3, 2011: registration opens
- November 14, 2011: deadline for submissions
- mid-December 2011: notification as to whether or not your proposal has been accepted
- February 3, 2012: hotel room discount at Loews is no longer available
- February 17, 2012: deadline for online registration (after that, must be done on-site at a higher rate)
- March 7-9, 2012: conference dates
About The Gatlinburg Conference
The Gatlinburg Conference on Research and Theory in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities was established in the 1960's as a forum for the exchange of scientific findings and as a mechanism to promote scientific networking.
