Global Down Syndrome Experts Convene in Texas for Annual Roundtable

Dallas, Texas – On July 24th, 2025, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) and the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) will host the 12th annual GLOBAL Research & Medical Care Roundtable at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. This event is expected to draw a record number of participants, with over 600 registrants already signed up, highlighting the growing interest in Down syndrome research and advocacy.

The GLOBAL Roundtable offers a unique opportunity for self-advocates, parents, and professionals to engage with leading experts in the field of Down syndrome. Attendees will benefit from presentations on cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, clinical trials, and medical best practices. The event has consistently received high ratings, averaging 4.8 out of 5 in participant surveys, indicating its significant impact on the community.

NDSC Executive Director Jim Hudson and GLOBAL President & CEO Michelle Sie Whitten will deliver welcome remarks, setting the stage for a day filled with insightful discussions. Notable speakers include Dr. Joaquín Espinosa, Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, who will provide updates on groundbreaking clinical trials benefiting individuals with Down syndrome. Dr. Michael Rafii, a professor of clinical neurology and Medical Director at the Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, will address the unique risks that individuals with Down syndrome face regarding Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, Dr. Laurie Ryan, Chief of the Clinical Interventions and Diagnostics Branch at the National Institute on Aging, will share insights from the NIH INCLUDE Project regarding lifestyle factors affecting individuals with Down syndrome.

Other prominent speakers include Dr. Noemi Spinazzi, Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Clinic at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, who will discuss early medical and developmental interventions in partnership with pediatricians, and Dr. Ignacio Tapia, Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology at the University of Miami, who will present new treatments for sleep apnea in this population. Dr. Thessa Hilgenkamp from the University of Nevada Las Vegas will also share strategies for maintaining fitness throughout the lifespan for individuals with Down syndrome.

Since its inception, the GLOBAL Roundtable has educated over 5,000 participants, emphasizing the importance of ongoing education and collaboration in improving health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. This event is complemented by the NDSC Annual Convention, which attracts thousands of attendees each year, providing an essential platform for advocacy and community engagement.

The collaboration between GLOBAL and NDSC is part of a broader effort to enhance research, medical outreach, and education surrounding Down syndrome. Both organizations aim to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and support their families through various resources, including medical guidelines and educational toolkits.

As the 2025 GLOBAL Roundtable approaches, the anticipation surrounding the event reflects the commitment of the Down syndrome community to advance research and enhance care standards. The outcomes of these collective efforts could lead to significant improvements in health management and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. The increasing participation in such events highlights a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive health care and advocacy in the ongoing fight for equitable treatment and resources for individuals with Down syndrome.