Baylor to host genetics resource conference in Amarillo

On Saturday, June 8, Baylor College of Medicine will host a community conference and resource fair for the Amarillo area to provide an educational seminar and support materials for parents of children with autism and developmental disabilities.

Provided jointly by Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital, and in collaboration with the Panhandle Area Health Education Center and Amarillo College, the conference will address updates in genetics, care for children with developmental disorders, and explain how a genetic evaluation can help children with various disabilities, including autism.

Dr. Lorraine Potocki, professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor, will lead the discussion with a presentation about genes and autism and how genetics can be employed to develop personal care plans for children with developmental disabilities. In addition, Laura Buckner, licensed professional counselor with the University of Texas, Texas Center for Disability Studies will speak about what you can do today to help prepare for the future.

The resource fair will offer current information on support services and resources as they relate to developmental disorders and encourages networking within the community by connecting patients and their families with one another.

The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The seminar will be held at Amarillo College Downtown Campus, located at 1314 S. Polk St. in Amarillo. The resource fair begins at 9 a.m., and the conference will follow at 10 a.m. with educational events running until 1 p.m. Refreshments and simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided. See registration and contact information.