Vale Professor Ben Sacks

Many of our members will know Professor Ben Sacks's name from his writing and conference presentations, and remember him from his visit to Sydney in 2007, with Prof Sue Buckley, and Julie Hughes from Down Syndrome Education International (DSE). This tribute was published by DSE:

Professor Ben Sacks, formerly Chair in Developmental Psychiatry, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, University of London, and medical advisor to DSE, passed away peacefully on 26 February. He will be remembered around the world for his extensive work in support of young people with Down syndrome. 

Ben Sacks devoted much of his life to supporting people with developmental and learning disabilities. After training at the University of Cape Town Medical School, he had a distinguished career as a psychiatrist, working at the Maudsley Hospital, Royal Free Hospital and Medical School, and Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School. Professor Sacks was widely recognised as an expert in the health and development of children and adolescents with learning disabilities, especially those with Down syndrome and with autism spectrum disorders. 

DSE is particularly grateful for Ben's many contributions to our work for children with Down syndrome and their families since 1983. He gave considerable time to many of our publications, workshops and conferences, and research - beginning with a study of life for teenagers in 1986. Colleagues and families alike valued his wise counsel and astute advice.

We extend our condolences to Professor Sacks's family, friends and colleagues.