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Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information sent out does not imply that Autism South Africa underwrites or endorses any particular therapy, intervention, method or medication. Autism South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided herein.
What is Down's syndrome?
Down's syndrome is a lifelong condition that causes delays in learning and development. It cannot be cured, but people with the condition can be supported to live a happy and independent life.
Most parents find out that their baby has Down's syndrome soon after their birth - it occurs because some babies' cells contain an extra chromosome 21.
All people with Down's syndrome will have some degree of learning disability. Children with Down's syndrome do learn to walk, talk and be toilet trained but in general will meet these developmental milestones later than children who do not have Down's syndrome. They may find it easier to learn visually, like many people with autism, and learn to talk more easily if their main words are signed as well as spoken.
Most parents find out that their baby has Down's syndrome soon after their birth - it occurs because some babies' cells contain an extra chromosome 21.
All people with Down's syndrome will have some degree of learning disability. Children with Down's syndrome do learn to walk, talk and be toilet trained but in general will meet these developmental milestones later than children who do not have Down's syndrome. They may find it easier to learn visually, like many people with autism, and learn to talk more easily if their main words are signed as well as spoken.
Down Syndrome and Autism Dual Diagnosis
Although there is a great deal of attention being directed at autism, mostly through the efforts of the growing numbers of families affected by this diagnosis, there is little mention about the growing number of children with a dual diagnosis in families whose children were born with Down syndrome.
If you are the mom of a beautiful child with Down syndrome who does not seem to be developing like other children with DS that you have met, who stops developing in what you expected to be a natural progression, or whose development turns around or changes in an alarming way, you may be wondering if he or she is facing another challenge besides Down syndrome.
Resources and support are available for families whose children with Down syndrome do have an autistic spectrum disorder in addition to garden variety DS. Concerned medical professionals and parents just like you have developed these resources and are available to answer some of your questions and share your concerns. I will list a few of these below.
Although no one wants to hear that their loved one faces greater challenges, it is important that a child with a dual diagnosis has the greatest opportunity for accommodations and support, and that families learn how to best support and encourage their children as they grow.
Know that you are not alone, as you will discover when you investigate the resources below that include Disability Solutions newsletter, the Kennedy Kreiger Institute, and other online support and information sites.
Families raising children with the dual diagnosis, or who suspect their son or daughter with Down syndrome might have an autism spectrum disorder, are invited to participate in an online discussion group for sharing information and support.
Down's syndrome & Autistic Spectrum Disorder
It is possible for a child with Down's syndrome to also have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) though this is not always easy to diagnose. We now believe ASD can occur in about 7% (range 1% -10%) of the population of people with Down's syndrome.
Children with ASD show impairments in social understanding, empathy and relating to others, in communication and in imagination and play. They may also show sensory sensitivities - for example, they may not like being touched or loud noises - and they may also develop repetitive behaviours. These behaviours on their own do not indicate ASD as other children can also show any of them. The symptoms listed all need to be present for a diagnosis of ASD to be correct and allowance must be made for the expected developmental delays in language and cognitive development that are part of having Down's syndrome. Many children with Down's syndrome have phases when they show sensitivity to touch and noise or engage in repetitive play, but they certainly do not have social impairments or ASD.
Dual Diagnosis: Children with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder
In recent years, there are more children being given the dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research shows that these children have differences in their brain activity. The medical community is currently working on the proper guidelines for diagnosis and treatment