Recap of the ASCEND Conference 2026

Article written by Karin Streifel, Rett Mom

It was a honor to be able to attend both the Ascend scientific and family conference in Minnesota this June. To hear Dr. Zoghbi speak was a rockstar moment in the Rett world. A key takeaway from her presentation is the importance of early intervention and therapies for our Rett kids, as her findings have demonstrated better skills acquisition and mild symptoms in animal models with intensitive training*. Although scheduling a multitude of therapies can feel like a Tetris game, juggling time and personal energy takes a real mental toll, it’s totally worth it while we wait for life-changing medicines. On that note, they are here. Between AAV-delivered gene therapies currently being studied in Rett patients to dozens of other innovative medicines moving their way through clinical studies towards trials, we are fortunate to have such great minds at work on such a complex syndrome.

We also had the most family fun we could possibly have at the Acadia sponsored sibling tent making hats and eating popsicles followed by ice skating for all.  Of course, the purple party was a hit with all the circus-like entertainment.

The conference left us finding a bit more hope in the advancements of science along with the dedication of great minds and the sweetness of community.