Global Down Syndrome Educational Series – May 2015

Mental and Physical Wellness for Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome

Featuring renowned Down syndrome experts…

Dennis-McGuire-175x219 Dennis McGuire, Ph.D.
McGuire is a senior consultant with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, is co-chair of Global’s Adults with Down Syndrome Task Force and serves patients at the Denver Adult Down Syndrome Clinic. He has more than 30 years of experience in the fields of mental health and developmental disabilities. Read full bio		 Sarah Mann Sarah Mann, PT, DPT
Mann worked with Physical Therapist Pat Winders and the multi-disciplinary team at the Sie Center for Down Syndrome from 2013 to 2015. Mann developed the Adolescent and Young Adult Sports Medicine program and now works in private practice with adults with Down syndrome at Mann Method PT and Fitness. Read full bio

Committee Members

Series included:

Mental Wellness

  • Promoting strengths in people with Down syndrome
  • Unique behavioral characteristics such as “grooves,” sensitivity to emotions, and photographic memory
  • Ways and means to promote the best possible use and understanding of behavioral characteristics
  • How to promote self esteem
  • How to promote independence and competence by specifically targeting key areas of weakness
  • Why good social skills, sex education, and safety training are so important
  • How to identify and promote talents and skills

Physical Wellness

  • Role of physical therapy for adults with Down syndrome
  • How aging affects adults with Down syndrome – focusing on musculoskeletal changes
  • Review of current research on exercise for adults with Down syndrome
  • Suggested method of physical therapy and how to conduct an assessment of exercise
  • Recommended beginning exercise regimen

Attendee survey results on a scale of 1 to 5

Professional Survey
  Dennis McGuire, PhD		 Overall Objectives Met Relevance Knowledge of Speaker Clarity of Presentation
Average Totals 4.52 4.54 4.55 4.79 4.61
Professional Survey
  Sarah Mann, PT, DPT		 Overall Objectives Met Relevance Knowledge of Speaker Clarity of Presentation
Average Totals 4.57 4.64 4.32 4.79 4.65
Parent Survey
  Dennis McGuire, PhD		 Overall Objectives Met Relevance Knowledge of Speaker Clarity of Presentation
Average Totals 4.68 4.58 4.83 4.92 4.76
Parent Survey
  Sarah Mann, PT, DPT		 Overall Objectives Met Relevance Knowledge of Speaker Clarity of Presentation
Average Totals 4.71 4.64 4.63 4.82 4.68

Read more about our other Global Down Syndrome Educational Series speakers, with lecture topics and participant survey responses!

Questions? Contact programs@globaldownsyndrome.org or 303-321-6277