DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium

Save the date! The 2026 DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium provides an interdisciplinary forum for sharing of knowledge and experiences related to the clinical care of individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan, clinical research related to Down syndrome, and the development of Down syndrome clinics. Next year's symposium will be held July 23-25 in Orlando, Florida at the Hilton Signia. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow Down syndrome experts from around the world to share ideas, ask questions, participate in meaningful discussions and network.

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SchedulePoster Presentations | Scholarships | Supporters | Hotel | Visa Information


 

Schedule

Friday, July 24, 2026 - ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN TIMES 

8:00am - 8:10am Welcome and Announcements
8:15am - 9:15am Evaluation and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children with Trisomy 21
9:20am - 10:20am Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment in Down syndrome: Translating Current Research into Clinical Practice and Creating Momentum Towards Broader Awareness
10:20am - 10:30am Break
10:30am - 11:15am Nutritional Implications of GLP-1 Agonist-Supported Weight Loss in Down syndrome
11:15am - 12:15pm Medical and Surgical Management of Obesity in Down syndrome
12:15pm - 1:15pm Lunch
1:20pm - 1:25pm NDSC Update
1:30pm - 2:30pm Long-Term Outcomes for Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Repair and Down syndrome
2:35pm - 3:20pm

Lightning Round: 

  • International Summit on Physical Fitness in Down syndrome: Summary & Recommendations
  • Vaccine Safety and Efficacy in Individuals with Down syndrome
3:20pm - 3:30pm Break
3:30pm - 4:00pm NIH Update
4:05pm - 4:35pm T21 Online Clinic: An Interdisciplinary Virtual Model Expanding Access to Comprehensive Care Across the Lifespan
4:40pm - 5:40pm Practice Changing Articles: Update in the Medical Literature
5:40pm - 5:45pm Closing Announcements

 

Additional Activities

Thursday, July 23, 2026
Thursday activities are not accredited for continuing education credit. 

11:00am - 12:50pm
Adolescent/Adult Workgroup

This workgroup will provide an update on the Adult Healthcare Projects currently underway (medical literature reviews, MH/Regression, dementia screening, weight-lifestyle management, and CME activities). Group discussion, Q&A are planned.

1:10pm - 3:00pm
DS-ASD Workgroup

This workgroup will include discussions on what has been learned about DS-ASD in the past year, how to apply that learning to improving the quality of care for individuals with co-occurring Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, and what needs to be learned in the next year to advance our understanding of how best to serve the needs of these individuals and their families. A summary and updates regarding ongoing projects will be given in addition to applicable information for use within a clinical setting. 

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Down Syndrome Project ECHO: Behavioral Challenges

This session will consist of a modified (for Symposium format) Project ECHO session. The case will be of a person with Down syndrome with behavioral changes and challenges. The case will be presented from a multidisciplinary perspective to promote a multidisciplinary discussion.  A brief summary of the discussion will be provided at the end of the session.

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Member Meeting

Join your peers as we gather to celebrate the important programs that impacted DSMIG-USA since last year's meeting. Reports will be shared from committees, workgroups, and officers. 

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Welcome Reception

Don't miss the chance to connect and engage with DSMIG members! Enjoy an evening of delicious hors d'oeuvres and refreshing drinks as you reconnect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. 


 

 

Submissions for Poster Presentations

The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG-USA®) Annual Symposium will be in person on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Signia by Hilton in Orlando, FL. You must register if you are planning to display a poster. Registration will open in late March 2026. This year, we are thrilled to announce that Posters will be physically displayed in-person again and there will be a live poster viewing!

Submit an Abstract/Poster Here

You may wish to consider submitting: 

  • Original clinical research findings
  • A case presentation that is particularly instructive
  • An informational poster about a new program initiative or update
  • An Adult health review. For a recap of how to get your poster started, check out the recording here. Although the dates are different this year, the process remains the same. 

ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS

Submissions are due at Noon ET on Monday, April 20, 2026. If you are interested in submitting an abstract/poster you will need to submit the following: 

  • Abstract Limit 250 words
  • Abstracts should be attached as a Word document
  • Title your Word file as Abstract DSMIG 2026 "2-3-word title," last name – of corresponding author (ex. DSMIG 2026 XXX Patel)
  • Provide full names of all authors, and corresponding authors names

The Poster Review Team will review and send acceptance by Monday, May 18, 2026

If your abstract is selected, in addition to printing and bringing your physical poster to the Symposium, you will also be required to submit your poster as an ePoster PowerPoint slide AND an accompanying 2-3-minute-long Video Poster Presentation. These will both be due by Noon ET on Monday, June 8, 2026. Please make this recording using Zoom. We are asking that you please keep your video ON during the recording, so that viewers can see you and your poster/poster slides. A link to a tutorial on how to make the recording can be found here

Top poster submissions will be notified by Monday, June 29, 2026

During the poster viewing times, we expect you to be at your poster and available to answer questions. 

Submit an Abstract/Poster Here

 

Scholarships

The goal of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG-USA) Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance for recipients to attend the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium. The number of scholarships awarded each year will depend on available funding. This year, DSMIG-USA is once again offering scholarships in 2 categories: Rising Star and Financial Need. For a full explanation of available scholarships and criteria, click the link below. Any application for the Rising Star Scholarship is automatically considered for the Financial Need Scholarship as well. Scholarship applications are due on May 1, 2026, at 11:59pm ET. 

LEARN MORE

 

Scholarship Donations

DSMIG-USA is committed to supporting healthcare professionals who serve individuals with Down syndrome. One of the ways that we do this is by offering health professionals the opportunity to connect with peers to improve their practices and care. Please consider a donation to DSMIG-USA to help support the Annual Symposium Scholarship Program and provide financial assistance to those who will experience undue expense to participate in the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium. 

DONATE TODAY

 

Annual Symposium Support Opportunities

Your support matters to DSMIG-USA! Organizations that support the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium highlight their support for the optimal health care and wellness of individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan. Your support will help us achieve our goals to:

  • Educate professionals and trainees on the latest research and comprehensive care regarding Down syndrome
  • Facilitate a network of health professionals caring for individuals with Down syndrome
  • Support the development of Down syndrome clinics
  • Identify and disseminate the best practices of care. 
Support Opportunities

 

Hotel

Signia by Hilton Orlando is the host site for the 2026 DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium. An Official Walt Disney World® Hotel, this newly renovated resort will offer you an elevated experience for your time at the Symposium. You will be welcomed by a brand new lobby, elevated guest rooms, signature dining, and close proximity the best shopping and entertainment that Orlando has to offer. 

 

Visa Requirements

Do I need a Visa?
Most conference participants outside of the US will travel on a B-1 (Business Visitor) or B-2 (Tourism/Visitor) visa, or may qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). We strongly recommend that all international attendees: 

  • Review visa requirements early
  • Apply as soon as possible due to potential processing delay

Official U.S. visa information is available from the U.S. Department of State

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Citizens of certain countries may be eligible to travel to the U.S. for short stays without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided they obtain an approved ESTA authorization prior to travel. 

Invitation Letter
If you require a formal Letter of Invitation for visa purposes, please contact [email protected]

Official Resources