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.
If you are worried that your child may have some additional difficulties because (s)he is progressing more slowly than other children with Down's syndrome, you should seek advice from your early intervention team or paediatrician.
Helpful Resources
DS/ASD Email Forum:
The DSA has set up a group forum where parents and carers of children with Down's syndrome and Autism can talk about any issues that concern them and get advice from each other.
To subscribe to this email group This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with SUBSCRIBE DS-AUTISM-UK in the body of the message or go to the website and follow instructions.
Useful articles:
- Down's Syndrome: Autistic Spectrum Disorder by Dr Liz Marder
http://www.dsmig.org.uk/library/articles/autism-notes.html - Down Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Look At What We Know by George T. Capone, M.D.
http://www.dsmig.org.uk/library/articles/capone-autistic-spectrum-disorder.pdf - Dual Diagnosis Down Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder - New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
Download PDF - Down Syndrome - Autistic Spectrum Disorder - Special Issue - Disability Solutions Magazine
Download PDF - Autism and Down syndrome by Sue Buckley - Downsed International
Download PDF - Diagnosis of Autism in Children With Down Syndrome by Glenn Vatter - Riverbend Down Syndrome Parent Support Group - Go to their website and select Medical Series/Autism & PDD/Diagnosing
- Autism in children and adults with Down syndrome by Colin Reilly - Down Syndrome Centre, Ireland http://www.downsyndromecentre.ie/advisorypanel/2009/mar/11/autism-children-and-adults-down-syndrome/
- Dual Diagnosis: Down's syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Review of the Literature by Erin L. Evans - Consultant Intern Psychologist - Disability Services Australia: Specialist Intervention Services
Download PDF - Learning Through Doing by Joan Guthrie Medlen - Downsed International
Download PDF - An article written by a parent of a young man diagnosed with Down's syndrome and autism, discussing the additional impact of autism (first published in the DS New South Wales Newsletter, Winter 2009)
Download PDF
Useful websites:
- Dual Diagnosis - Downs Syndrome and Autism
http://www.ds-asd.tk/
Website authored by a family whose son has Down's syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Useful and informative reference for families. - National Autistic Society
http://www.nas.org.uk/
The NAS site contains useful information about getting a diagnosis of ASD and what support and services are available after diagnosis of ASD.