Hello k868
There is a Yahoo group with exactly the right profile:
“The Down Syndrome & Autistic Spectrum (ds-autism) listserv was
created so families, parents, and professionals interested in this
dual diagnosis could discuss issues related to medical, educational,
and family concerns in a free, and open forum”
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ds-autism/
I have found a scientific paper from 1994 describing such a dual
diagnosis:
The Recognition of Autism in Children with Down Syndrome -
Implications for Intervention and Some Speculations about Pathology by
P. Howlin, L. Wing, J. Gould
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 1995, 37, 406-414
http://www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/index.htm?page=howlin.html
The main author, Professor Patricia Howlin, is based at the Psychology
Department of St George’s Hospital Medical School. The web site of the
Surrrey Branch of the National Austistic Society mentions her name in
a list of specialists to whom parents of autistic children can turn
for diagnosis and second opinions. The list is reasonably current, as
it was last updated on August 11, 2003.
Patricia Howlin’s contact details (tel, fax, email) on the St George’s
web site are at:
http://www.sghms.ac.uk/depts/psychology/Frames/Directory/Details/phowlin.htm
The postal address for the Department is:
Division of Psychology
Hunter Wing
Cranmer Terrace
London
SW17 0RE
http://www.sghms.ac.uk/depts/psychology/
Disability Solutions magazine devoted a full issue to the topic of
children with Downs Syndrome plus autistic spectrum disorder. You can
obtain the 40-page file in pdf format at
http://www.disabilitysolutions.org/3-5.htm (Follow the link “Volume 3,
Issue 5 & 6 to download the file).
“Down Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A look at what we know”
is a paper written for the Down's Syndrome Asociation newsletter by
George T Capone from the Kennedy Krieger institute. Baltimore. You
can find it in pdf format on the web site of the Downs Syndrome
Medical Interest Group at
http://www.dsmig.org.uk/parents/ (scroll down to about halfway down
the page to find the link)
One mother has found that riding helps her daughter a lot:
“Stacy Beall has watched her daughter Elizabeth, who suffers from
Downs Syndrome and autism, grow thanks to therapeutic riding.
"I can't say enough good things about the program," says Elizabeth's
mother, Stacy Beall. "They individualize a program for each rider,
according to their abilities, and tune it to help the rider gain the
greatest benefit. It has really made a difference for my child." Beall
stands outside the ring, watching her daughter with obvious pride.”
http://www.bayweekly.com/year01/issue9_13/lead9_13.html (Article in
Bay Weekly Online)
I thought you might be interested to read about Glen Sheppard, a
23-year-old Australian who has both Downs Syndrome and autism. He has
published two books of poetry. You can find out more and read two of
his poems at: http://www.disc.org.au/ (Scroll down the page to find
the link to “Elvis has left the building”).
For general support, you might also wish to contact the South West
Thames Branch of the Downs Syndrome Association, which covers West &
South West London, Surrey & West Sussex. This group might know if
there is someone near you in a similar situation.
http://www.downsyndrome.org.uk/
I hope this is the sort of information you are seeking. Please request
further clarification if required (I am away Friday-Monday).
I sincerely hope you will find the support and knowledge you need to
help your son live life to the fullest.
Search strategy:
“Downs Syndrome and autism”
“Downs Syndrome” autistics
Howlin George’s Medical |
