The 8th Biennial National Angelman Syndrome Conference

The 8th Biennial National Angelman Syndrome Conference was held in Brisbane on October 5 -7. The conference was a great success with over 140 people attending from throughout Australia and New Zealand. Attendees included approximately 55 different families and included "Angels" from 2 to 24 years. The conference was held at Virginia Palms International, Virginia.

The conference included a day of speakers and workshops that included topics on current research and developments and breakout groups focused on the different stages of the children for example, new families, puberty and so on.

While the parents and carers participated in the conference, the "Angels" and their siblings had a day out at Dreamworld! A total of 97 people which included "Angels", siblings and carers were sent off in two buses to Dreamworld for a big day of fun and activities. A great time was had by all who participated and they were certainly all "tired little teddy bears" by the time they returned. A key feature of Angelman Syndrome is the inability to sleep so none of the parents were complaining about anyone being worn out!

The final day of the conference was a family fun day at Woody Point Special School. The entertainment included bouncing castles and performing clowns along with a fabulous BBQ lunch.

For many families, these conferences provide them with the first opportunity to meet other Angelman Syndrome families and share experiences. Often isolated by distance, it is common for a family to be the only family in a large town or city with an AS child. It is important for us as a group to learn we are all experiencing similar problems. Whilst talking to other parents of disabled children can help, our children display their own unique characteristics and behaviours which can only truly be understood by the parent of another Angelman Syndrome child. The bizarre behaviours also pose challenges, such as house and car modifications, on which other AS parents can advise. The conference enables families of AS children to be informed of the latest information about the syndrome that will enable them to assist their child in the best way possible.