Autism/Down Syndrome - Autism Spectrum Message Board

ashmegmom · 03-06-2009, 01:14 PM

I was wondering does anyone have a child that has Down Syndrome with a diagnosis of Autism also? My daughter is 12 and had DS but was just diagnosed with Autism too. I am so overwhelmed and I am just starting to look into what new things we can try.

Mira11 · 03-06-2009, 05:50 PM

hi - tell us a little about your daughter includings the issues that are overwhelming that you would like help with.

ashmegmom · 03-10-2009, 01:32 PM

I guess I don't really know where to start. She is 12 and is not potty trained. Seems to have no interest. Right now is on schedule but does fine for awhile and all of a sudden has accidents all the time.

Refusal to go into new buildings or crowded areas. She will flop down and now is large enough I can't lift her. Has done this to me in the middle of the street even with preparation before of where we were going and what was going to happen,

Lots of struggles at school too. Sorry I am just so lost and the school is really no help. I feel like I have to find the ideas and then present to the school. She is such a wonderful girl and I just feel like we need to find the way to draw out what she does know.

Thanks!

Mira11 · 03-10-2009, 03:22 PM

I think an occupational therapist might be able to help with some of these issues. Your daughter sounds like she has sensory integration problems - very common with autism. Many o.t.'s now specialize in sensory integration and I think this type of o.t. might be beneficial for your daughter.

Start with your school and see what they might be able to offer. Then, does your insurance cover O.T.? A drs. prescription can often get this kind of therapy covered.

I think sensory integration o.t. would be beneficial at this time and a good o.t. can give you lots of suggestions to use at home.

blessedmom · 05-23-2009, 08:58 PM

My daughter is also 12 and diagnosed with down syndrome and autism. She was about 7 when we were finally told she had autism. She kept banging her head with her hands and screaming with certain sounds. She was almost potty trained about 2 years ago and then all of a sudden that went out the window. She was not hearing anything for a while and now she hears but to what extent I don't know cause she does not talk either. She has been pulling her hair out and scratching her neck in the same place over and over again till it look like a bloody mess. I am to my wits end also trying to find an answer to help her. We tried putting bandades on but she tears them off and the only thing I can do is hold her hands til she finish her meltdown but she is so strong it is very tiring and she gets mad that you hold her hands so she will try to pull my hair needless to say it hurt like I don't know what. Hopefully we can find some answers somewhere. Also check with your insurance to see if the cover medical equipment. I got a stroller thats designed for older special needs children and it will be a blessing to you when you have to go places. I know about the falling out and having a hard time trying to pick your child up and they are not aware of the dangers around them. Check with your insurance company and a medical supply company. Our insurance paid 1200 and I had to pay 300. It is well worth it. May God bless you and every other mom out there trying to find answers. I know the answers are out there somewhere. Take care and keep the faith and just know that you are not alone.