AAIDD Conferenece
By: Lizabeth Moser-Sadzewicz
I had the pleasure of attending my first American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) conference in Atlanta, Georgia at the end of May 2007. This was the 131st conference, but the first with the organization’s name change, formerly American Association of Mental Retardation.
I presented “Supporting Individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome” and thoroughly enjoyed talking with a variety of professionals with different experiences and knowledge of PWS.
One of my most memorable discussions was with a neurologist. We were talking about the hypothalamus and if “they” could just figure out how to regulate it. He commented that even if the hypothalamus is regulated and the insatiable appetite is extinguished- the behaviors would still be present. I replied, “actually many of the behaviors associated with PWS can also be linked to the hypothalamus and neighboring brain structures. Therefore, it is a possibility that a properly functioning hypothalamus could decrease some of the behavioral characteristics as well.” He examined my posted diagram of the cross section of the hypothalamus and said, “Yeah, you are right.” I am not one to toot- think of this as more of a harmonica emission as opposed to a trumpet, as I was mostly excited about upholding the integrity of this ¼ ounce, but multi-amazing gland.
My presentation included supportive data in the form of graphs highlighting the necessity of environmental supports (locking up food and monitoring community integration) for programs specializing in PWS.
When I look at these cold, hard facts, it warms my heart to know Prader-Willi Homes of Oconomowoc has made positive, life-changing differences in the lives of many.
Lizabeth Moser-Sadzewicz