Launching the 22q11 Europe Webinar Series – Save the Date!
Dear 22q Europe Members and Partners,
We hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer!
As we return to our shared mission, we’re thrilled to announce the 22q11 Europe Webinar Series : "Bridging Research and Everyday Life".
22q11 Europe is proud to launch a new initiative: a biannual webinar series designed to bring cutting-edge scientific research directly to families, clinicians, and professionals across Europe.
Each session features leading experts presenting their latest findings on topics that matter deeply to the 22q11 community—from neurodevelopment and behavior to physical health and emotional well-being. The goal is simple yet powerful: to translate complex research into clear, actionable insights that support daily life and long-term care.
👥 Who It’s For
Families and caregivers seeking to better understand the science behind 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Professionals looking to stay informed and connected with the latest developments
Advocates and associations working to improve quality of life across Europe
🎤 What to Expect
A 45-minute presentation by a leading researcher
A live Q&A session via chat
Topics that connect research with real-world challenges and practical recommendations
A welcoming, accessible format hosted on Zoom, scheduled in the evening to accommodate families
📅 Upcoming Sessions
1. Parkinson’s Disease and 22q11DS
Speaker: Dr. Erik Boot
Date: February 5, 2026
Time: 20:00–21:30 CET
This webinar will offer an accessible overview of parkinsonism and its connection to 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Dr. Erik Boot will present current research on the increased risk of movement-related symptoms in individuals with 22q11DS, explore potential signs and long-term health implications, and share practical recommendations to support care strategies.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Erik Boot is a physician specialized in intellectual disability medicine. He works at the multidisciplinary 22q11.2 clinics for adults at ‘s Heeren Loo and Maastricht in the Netherlands. His research focuses on how 22q11.2-related manifestations develop over time and aims to improve the quality of life for adults affected by the syndrome. He is a member of the scientific advisory committee of Stichting Steun 22Q11 and a trustee of the 22q11.2 Society.
2. Sleep in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Emerging Evidence and Practical Recommendations
Speaker: Dr. Corrado Sandini
Date: May 28, 2026
Time: 20:00–21:30 CET
This webinar will highlight new findings on the role of sleep disturbances—such as obstructive sleep apnea—in contributing to psychological and behavioral challenges in individuals with 22q11DS. The session will explore underlying mechanisms, discuss the downstream consequences of poor sleep, and offer practical guidance for screening and managing sleep disorders based on the latest research.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Corrado Sandini, MD, PhD, is Médecin Chef de Clinique at the Centre de consultation spécialisé en autisme (CCSA), Fondation Pôle Autisme in Geneva. He specializes in neurodevelopmental disorders and leads clinical and research efforts focused on autism and related conditions.
This series complements our in-person European conference, the webinar series will be officially presented during the Congress. We’ll be sharing more details soon—stay tuned!
