Phelan-McDermid Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder causing autism, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. On Tuesday, March 20, Evenings with Genetics, a monthly speaker series hosted by Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, will highlight this syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Jimmy Holder Jr, associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor, and Geraldine Bliss, board member of the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, will speak about how researchers and parents are working together to advance their understanding of the condition.

“While Phelan-McDermid Syndrome is a rare disorder, the insights we can glean from investigations of the molecular and neuronal abnormalities associated with this disorder will be useful for patients with idiopathic autism,” said Holder. “Moreover, work currently underway by many researchers to develop targeted treatments for Phelan-McDermid Syndrome will provide insights for the development of therapies for many neurodevelopmental disorders.”

The Evenings with Genetics series offers current information regarding care, education, and research as they relate to genetic disorders and encourages networking within the community by connecting patients and their families with others in similar situations.

The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The seminar will be held at the Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St., 77004. Light refreshments will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m., and the seminar will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 713-798-8407 or visit the event’s registration page.