Dr Cathy Franklin

18/06/2025

Many Australians with intellectual disability are unable to access blood tests and scans to diagnose and treat health conditions - because our health system does not offer the additional support they need. It was a privilege to speak with ABC News to shine a light on this issue!

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-18/calls-for-change-intellectual-disability-medical-scans/105410308

Qld Centre of Excellence in Autism and Intellectual Disability Health Queenslanders with Disability Network National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health Council for Intellectual Disability Down Syndrome Australia

A Sydney mother is calling for change after being told her daughter with disability would have to wait five months for a scan her doctor said was urgent.

24/03/2025

Launch of Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - Australia!
Professor Joaquin Espinosa is speaking at Mater South Brisbane next Monday 31 March 6-8pm. He is an expert on immune differences in Down syndrome, including in Down Syndrome Regression Disorder.
The evening event is for health professionals only.
This will be the first meeting of the DSMIG-AUS, brought to you by Down Syndrome Australia
Please share with your health professionals!
See link below to RSVP.
Qld Centre of Excellence in Autism and Intellectual Disability Health Down Syndrome Australia

The purpose of this group is to improve the knowledge of Australian healthcare professionals in the medical aspects of Down syndrome.

24/03/2025

Photos from our Down syndrome clinic last Friday 21 March, World Down Syndrome Day. If you have spotted our amazing t-shirts, they are from Eli's online store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/everythingeli/shop?asc=u

19/03/2025

Do you support someone who has, or may have, Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD)? Please fill out the survey at the link below! Qld Centre of Excellence in Autism and Intellectual Disability Health Down Syndrome Queensland Down Syndrome Australia

21/11/2024

I had the honour of accompanying CID to Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, where we met with several MPs and staff, raising the agenda to improve health of people with intellectual disability. Dr Mike Freelander then made this speech in parliament. Thanks Mike, let’s spread the word! Qld Centre of Excellence in Autism and Intellectual Disability Health Mater

28/07/2024

That’s a wrap! DSMIG-USA 2024 and NDSC 2024 done! Amazing meetings and wonderful to catch up with wonderful colleagues again.
This makes 5 presentations on Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD) in the last 2 months…reaching about 260 health professionals and 360 families and people with DS. RANZCP Canberra, T21 RS Rome, WDSC Brisbane and now NDSC in Phoenix, USA. Phew! Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - USA Down Syndrome Australia QCIDD Mater

12/07/2024

16/06/2024

Quick! Registrations close soon for the Australian Association of Developmental Disability (AADDM) conference in Brisbane and online on Monday 8 July. See link below for program and to register. Relevant to child, adult, health and mental health professionals!

Broadening Horizons: Working Together to Improve Intellectual and Developmental Disability Health Suitable for all health, allied health and disability professionals Date Monday 8 July 2024In person or online attendance available   Venue Plaza P1, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition CentreMerivale St,...

16/06/2024

Privileged to present on Down Syndrome Regression Disorder at the T21 Research Society Meeting in Rome, with DSMIG colleagues Drs Jonathon Santoro, Diego de Real Asua and Stephanie Santoro. Robust discussion on the entity of DSRD and its relation to catatonia, and its treatment. Great to see the progress and interest in this area! QCIDD Mater Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - USA Down Syndrome Queensland Down Syndrome Australia