There is a lot to learn for parents taking care of a child with Down syndrome. Unlike the majority who have neurotypical babies, raising a child with special needs is a whole other experience. While every parent shares the same sentiments in taking care of a child in general, having to bring up a child of special needs is a different story.
Parenting a child with Down syndrome is a challenge as it is, all the more so if your child is also diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. In this blog, let us examine the dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and ASD otherwise called DS-ASD
What is DS-ASD?
Down Syndrome- Autism Spectrum Disorder is a dual occurrence of two neurodevelopmental disorders. Both Down Syndrome and ASD are challenging disabilities as it is. And the dual diagnosis or co-occurrence can pose a different set of complex challenges.
Often a misunderstood population, children with DS-ASD are often overlooked. It is important to raise awareness about this condition and receive the right attention to encourage discourse. This, in turn, will provide parents of DS-ASD children the access to the right resources.
How common is this incidence?
Due to a disparity in the criteria for diagnosis and unreliable documentation of Down syndrome-ASD cases over the years, coming up with an estimate of occurrence is difficult. This is according to the National Down Syndrome Society.
At present, the chance of a child with Down Syndrome to also be diagnosed with Autism or DS-ASD stands at 8 to 18 percent. However, according to the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection, about 25 percent of children with Down syndrome display symptoms of ASD but are not adequate enough to be diagnosed as DS-ASD.
Diagnosis
Down syndrome can be diagnosed as early as 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy, this gives parents ample time to prepare, learn, and look for resources that can enable them to have effective parenting provided with the right support. In the case of DS-ASD, diagnosis can be quite sensitive.
In general, the diagnosis of ASD is based on symptoms exhibited in three areas namely; repetitive behaviors, communication, and social impairments. This is done through standardized assessments by medical professionals.
A formal diagnosis can enable early intervention that could help alleviate some symptoms and provide an opportunity for DS-ASD children to have a better quality of life growing up.
What is it like for a child with DS-ASD?
When compared to their DS peers, children with DS-ASD may likely experience more cognitive delays and show difficulties in behavior. A study 1 published by the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities showed the following:
- DS-ASD children exhibited less impairment in the communication aspects of imitation, gestures, and imitative social interaction compared to children with ASD alone but not the same for Down syndrome.
- There is lesser impairment in eye contact, smiling, empathy, and social responses to other children’s approaches for DS-ASD diagnosed children.
- Children with DS-ASD have a higher tendency to show rituals or compulsions than their ASD peers.
On some occasions, DS-ASD children may engage in violent behaviors including self-harm, aggression, or running away. In addition, these children may also have challenges in reaching developmental milestones while growing up apart from difficulties with toilet training, speech, eating and sleeping. They are also prone to having medical and behavioral conditions such as ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety.
I suspect Autism for my DS Child, what should I do?
If your precious child is showing signs of autism, it is important to understand that several children with Down syndrome may exhibit symptoms of autism but aren’t actually an indicator of ASD. Consulting professionals is your first step towards diagnosis.
Typically, your DS child can have a support team that consists of a pediatrician, a child psychologist, speech, and occupational therapist. If your child’s support team shares the same concern as you, they can pave the way for your child’s formal ASD assessment. Getting the best possible support for your child is crucial for their development
Therapy and learning centers like Pulse can help your child achieve their full potential that can contribute to society.
References
1 Hepburn, S., Philofsky, A., Fidler, D & Rogers, S (2007) Autism symptoms in toddlers with Down syndrome: a descriptive study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 21 (1) 48-57
2 www.ndss.org/resources/dual-diagnosis-syndrome-autism/
3 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4318440
4 www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/outpatient-programs/down_syndrome_autism_spectrum_disorders