Saturday Seminar Series
The DSALA offers year-round seminars on specific subjects at the DSALA office.
Be sure to RSVP as soon as you plan on attending. Space is limited.
All supplemental learning materials provider by the speakers will reinforce the learning that will occur in the workshop. The only way to receive comprehensive information about each topic is by attending the workshops. Presenters have sole discretion in determining what materials, if any, are permissible for distribution. These materials will be provided to attendees only.
Past seminars have included topics such as:
• Independent Educational Assessments and the importance to your child with Down syndrome's education
• Reading Workshops
• Dental Issues in Children with Down syndrome
• Addressing challenging behavior in children with Down syndrome:
The use of applied behavior analysis for assessment and intervention
• Conservatorship
Autism in Down Syndrome: Two Rare Diagnoses in One
Zoom Saturday Seminars
Saturday, September 18, 2021
10 AM
RSVP
Autism in Down Syndrome: Two Rare Diagnoses in One
- Review the signs/symptoms of autism spectrum disorders in persons with Down syndrome and the differences between individuals with Down syndrome and others. Particular focus is paid to accessing resources and interventions for families.
About Jonathan D. Santoro, MD
Dr. Santoro serves as the Director of Neuroimmunology and Demyelinating Disorders Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He is also an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Dr. Santoro completed his undergraduate, master's, and medical degrees at Tulane University. He subsequently completed pediatric and child neurology residencies at Stanford University School of Medicine with sub-specialty training in neuroimmunology and pediatric multiple sclerosis at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Santoro also has clinical research expertise in inflammation related to cerebrovascular disease and neurocognitive disorders such as Down syndrome regression syndrome.
Past Saturday Seminars
Education Updates
Zoom Saturday Seminars
August, 21,2021
10 AM
RSVP
Education Updates
In this workshop, you will learn the different ways to address challenges with your child going back to school. We will discuss assessments, IEP's, regression, compensatory services or recoupment, mask, and Covid-19 testing accommodations.
PRESENTERS:
Dina Kaplan, Esq
Vanaman German LLP
Dina Kaplan has been practicing law for more than 40 years. She has an extensive litigation background and has been protecting the rights of children with disabilities for the past 25 years.
David W. German, J.D., Ph.D. Esq
Vanaman German LLP
Over the past decade, David German has established himself as one of the most effective, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorneys working for students with disabilities and their families. He has successfully represented hundreds of families throughout California in special education due process cases.
Assessment Process
Zoom Saturday Seminars
Saturday, July 24, 2021
10 AM
RSVP
Assessment Process
This workshop reviews parent and district participation in the special education assessment process. Learn about the federal laws that regulate the referral and assessment processes and options on how to resolve disagreements.
About TASK
TASK concentrates on providing families and individuals with disabilities from birth to 26 years old with information, support, and tips regarding special education. TASK provides emotional support to parents and teaches about the special education systems and processes to help families understand important information such as their rights, requesting assessments, strategies for preparing for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and transition planning, and more.
Stroke & Vascular Disease in Down Syndrome
Zoom Saturday Seminars
Saturday, June 19, 2021
10 AM
RSVP
Stroke & Vascular Disease in Down Syndrome: How to Identify and Prevent
- Review the most common stroke-related conditions that persons with Down syndrome exhibit with Moyamoya Disease and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA).
- Review the common signs and symptoms, how to get diagnosed and what treatments can be used.
Early Identification can save lives!
About Jonathan D. Santoro, MD
Dr. Santoro serves as the Director of Neuroimmunology and Demyelinating Disorders Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He is also an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Dr. Santoro completed his undergraduate, master's, and medical degrees at Tulane University. He subsequently completed pediatric and child neurology residencies at Stanford University School of Medicine with sub-specialty training in neuroimmunology and pediatric multiple sclerosis at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Santoro also has clinical research expertise in inflammation related to cerebrovascular disease and neurocognitive disorders such as Down syndrome regression syndrome.
Reading Workshop Part 2
Tips and resources for teaching reading at home during COVID Times
Zoom Seminars
Saturday, May 1, 2021
10 AM - 11 AM
RSVP
Join us online for two single-hour workshop sessions. Sessions are spaced a week apart; during the second session, you will gain useful resources to continue using what you have learned in both sessions.
Attendees will understand how learners with Down syndrome can most quickly and successfully learn to read and how to plan to teach reading at home during these times of isolation and homeschooling. Resources will be suggested at the end of the session.
ABOUT NATALIE HALE
Natalie Hale is an award-winning author, an innovative educator, parent of an adult son with Down syndrome (Jonathan is 35), and for 28 years, a national and international speaker on the topic of teaching reading to learners with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. Natalie Natalie developed her own line of early reading materials for children with Down syndrome, Autism, and other special needs, which you can find at www.specialreads.com.
Reading Workshop Part 1
Tips and resources for teaching reading at home during COVID Times
Zoom Saturday Seminars
Saturday, April 24, 2021
10 AM - 11 AM
RSVP
Join us online for two single-hour workshop sessions. Sessions are spaced a week apart, so you'll have time to do your homework given at the first session!
Attendees will understand how learners with Down syndrome can most quickly and successfully learn to read and how to plan to teach reading at home during these times of isolation and homeschooling. At the end of the session, we will provide resources and homework.
ABOUT NATALIE HALE
Natalie Hale is an award-winning author, an innovative educator, parent of an adult son with Down syndrome (Jonathan is 35), and for 28 years, a national and international speaker on the topic of teaching reading to learners with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. Natalie Natalie developed her own line of early reading materials for children with Down syndrome, Autism, and other special needs, which you can find at www.specialreads.com.
Regression in Down Syndrome
Zoom Saturday Seminar
Saturday, March 6, 2021
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
RVSP
Regression in Down Syndrome: What Is Happening and What Can I Do?
-Review the symptoms of neurocognitive and developmental regression in young persons with Down syndrome.
-Review the potential causes and complexity of the workup and how to access centers of care.
About Jonathan D. Santoro, MD
Dr. Santoro serves as the Director of Neuroimmunology and Demyelinating Disorders Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He is also an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Dr. Santoro completed his undergraduate, masters, and medical degrees at Tulane University. He subsequently completed residencies in pediatrics and child neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine with sub-specialty training in neuroimmunology and pediatric multiple sclerosis at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Santoro also has clinical research expertise in inflammation related to cerebrovascular disease and neurocognitive disorders such as Down syndrome regression syndrome.
