Cost: $95.00 USD

Syndromes
Commonly associated with
Intellectual Disabilities



Thursday, September 30th 9:00 am - 2:45 pm

The Human Genome Project is rapidly increasing our understanding of syndromes. Syndromes are defined as a single cause for multiple anomalies in an individual.

Many medical conditions, psychiatric diagnoses, behavioral patterns, and cognitive issues experienced by people with intellectual disabilities are a result of a genetic syndrome.

This course begins with a basic overview of human genetics. Understanding genes and DNA enables us to identify the direct bridge between chromosomal mutations and genetic syndromes.

We will discuss the causes, characteristics, and health care needs of each of the following syndromes:

  • Fragile X
  • Williams
  • Prader-Willi
  • Angelman
  • Rett
  • PKU
  • Klinefelter
  • Cornelia de Lange
  • Smith-Magenis
  • Velocardiofacial
  • Tuberous Sclerosis
  • Neurofibromatosis I
  • Cri-du-Chat
  • Smith-Lemli-Opitz

We will identify the most effective intervention strategies for each of these syndromes, giving you a clear direction for handling what are often challenging behaviors.

The "genetic picture" provides important information about complex individuals served by nurses, program managers, group home supervisors, job coaches, social workers, and educators.

Course Information:
  • Course materials, refreshments and a box lunch are included in the course fee
  • Pre-registration is required
  • Register early! Class size is limited
  • Payment must accompany registration form
  • Video/audio taping of courses is prohibited
 Cancellation Policy:
  • Cancellations must be made no later than 5 business days prior to the course
  • The full course fee will be charged if cancellation is made in less than 5
    business days
  • Registration is transferable to another person
About the instructor

Karen Finck, RN, MS, CS, is an expert in psychiatric nursing and president of HCS. An engaging speaker, Ms. Finck lectures throughout Minnesota on mental health topics. She adeptly uses humor and presents real-life anecdotes from her experiences in the field. She provides not only an understandable theoretical framework, but offers practical approaches as well.
Continuing Education

This course is designed to provide 6.5 contact hours to nurses,
5.4 continuing education hours to social workers,
5.75 continuing educationn hours to
chemical dependency counselors, and
5.75 education hours to direct care staff

Please contact HCS if you would like to have this course presented at your own facility.