When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect: A Guide to DS-ASD for Parents and Professionals - Softcover

Froehlke, Margaret; Zaborek, Robin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1606131605 ISBN 13: 9781606131602

Publisher: Woodbine House, 2012

Synopsis

While it's well known that the incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is skyrocketing in the general population, it's less well known that ASD is even more common in people with Down syndrome.

When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect offers a thorough examination of the unique profile of a Down Syndrome-Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD) diagnosis and best practices for screening, treatment, and caretaking through the lifespan. This one-stop resource, the first of its kind, will greatly benefit families whose child is already diagnosed, and also those who suspect something more than Down syndrome. Professionals, too, will find information on how to distinguish DS-ASD from a diagnosis of just Down syndrome, and guidance on providing services for children and adults.

The editors and chapter authors are seasoned parents, advocates, doctors, dentists, psychologists, behavior analysts, nurses, educators, and financial planners. They share their experiences and expertise on the following topics:
-Diagnosis
-Emotional Adjustment & Support
-Genetics
-Medical Concerns (health problems common in Down syndrome and ASD, conditions that can be missed when ASD is not recognized--reflux, pneumonia, hypothyroidism)
-When Autism is Suspected for Teens and Adults with DS (often misdiagnosed as mental health problems)
-Making the Most of Doctor Visits (coordinated, team approach to care)
-What Autism Looks Like in a Child with Down Syndrome (comparing behavior of kids with DS-only to that of kids with DS-ASD at different ages using case studies)
-Oral Health (tips & strategies to ensure cooperation during dental visits)
-Behavioral Treatments for Sleep Problems
-Care Coordination (the management of a child's needs across the entire care continuum)
-Addressing Problem Behaviors
-Designing Educational Programs
-Multicultural Challenges (best practices to serve the needs of minority populations)
-Life Planning (legal, financial, and quality-of-life issues)

Parents and professionals who previously had to piece together information about DS-ASD from sources about each separate condition can now rely on this groundbreaking book to understand and navigate the complexities and challenges of DS-ASD.

About this title

When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect is the first comprehensive guide to look at the dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD). Written by parents and professionals, the book discusses best practices for screening, treatment, education, and caretaking. This one-stop resource is for families whose child is already diagnosed, as well as parents who suspect their child has co-existing ASD. Professionals, too, will find information on how to distinguish DS-ASD from a diagnosis of just Down syndrome for instance, what physical and medical issues belong to a Down syndrome-only diagnosis, and what mental and behavioral issues suggest that an ASD also exists. They will also find guidance to help them care for and provide services for children and adults with this dual diagnosis.

The editors and chapter authors include seasoned parents, advocates, doctors, dentists, psychologists, behavior analysts, nurses, educators, and financial planners. They share their experiences and expertise on these topics:

Diagnosis

Emotional Adjustment & Getting Support

Genetics

Medical & Health Concerns

What Autism Looks like in a Child with Down Syndrome

When Autism is Suspected in Teens and Adults with DS

Oral Health

Behavioral Treatments for Sleep Problems

Care Coordination

Problem Behaviors

Educational Programs

Working with Minorities

Life Planning

Parents and professionals, who previously had to piece together information about DS-ASD from sources about each separate condition, can now rely on this groundbreaking book to understand and navigate the complexities and challenges of DS-ASD.

About the Author

Margaret Froehlke is a Registered Licensed Nurse in Colorado and the mother of four children, one of whom has both Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder (DS-ASD). Ms. Froehlke worked as Executive Director of the Denver Adult Down Syndrome Clinic, and is now on staff with Adam's Camp, a provider of therapeutic and adventure programs for kids and adults with developmental disabilities, based in Denver. Ms. Froehlke is also the author of Mass, A Guide for Visual Learners, a book designed to assist persons with ASD in attending the Catholic Mass.

Robin Zaborek is a proud mother of four children, including an adult son with Down syndrome and a teenage daughter with Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD), Janet Kay, who passed away during the final stages of writing this book. Ms. Zaborek is a CDA (Child Development Associate) and CNA (Certified Nurse's Assistant), and she is a long-time advocate for people with developmental disabilities. She is a co-founder of the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection(TM), whose mission is to provide support and education to families and professionals impacted by DS-ASD.

Edition details

• Publisher: Woodbine House
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1606131605
• ISBN 13: 9781606131602
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 235