Month: July 2019

Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Parenting Special Needs

DS-ASD~What To Do When It’s More Than Just Down Syndrome

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

DS-ASD~ What To Do When It’s More Than Just Down Syndrome

If you are a parent, teacher, caregiver of extended family member of an individual who has Down syndrome, you are aware of how challenging it is to hit those developmental milestones. There are even more speech deficits, sensory integration problems and challenging behaviors associated with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). My son Nick is 25 years old and has DS-ASD. Years ago we suspected that his behaviors and speech delays were perhaps more than just Down syndrome. We got a clinical, medical evaluation to determine that he also had autism. Getting the secondary diagnosis enabled us to receive additional services and support.

DS-ASD Ribbon

Additional Services and Support for DS-ASD:

Speech and Augmentative Alternative Communication

Behavior Support Plan (BSP) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Specialized Training for Toileting

Federal and State Funding for Respite Care and Equipment

Support Groups for DS-ASD families online and on Facebook

Besides the additional services and support, we got validation that our son’s challenging behaviors and speech deficits were more than just Down syndrome. This gave us a peace of mind as a family, that we were no longer alone on this new path.

To read more about additional services, support and links related to a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) click here:

https://nickspecialneeds.com/2016/09/12/blog-155more-than-just-down-syndrome/

Getting the secondary diagnosis of autism opened up new avenues for our son to get help with communication and tackle the unique behaviors that hindered his progress both at home and school. This made a huge difference in all aspects of his life and ours. It’s a very different path than just Down syndrome, but with support your child and family can navigate it more smoothly.  That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall

 

 

Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

DS-ASD Behavior Management

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

DS-ASD Behavior Management

smile emoji thumbs up

Behavior problems are common for individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). Speech deficits may cause a child to exhibit unwanted behaviors to express emotions of frustration and not being heard. I’ve experienced many behaviors with my son Nick, who is 25 years old and has a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD. While Nick continues to challenge me with undesirable behaviors, I have learned a lot about how to better manage them. This week, here are 5 steps you can take to discover the causes of a problem behavior and prevent it from occurring.

Click here to learn how you can better manage behaviors associated with individuals having a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD:

https://nickspecialneeds.com/2018/08/06/blog-212ds-asd-behavior-management/

Challenging behaviors like throwing, dropping and breaking items are tough to deal with, but once you determine what function this behavior serves, you can put a plan in place to curtail it. A good BCBA certified behavior specialist can guide you through the process by doing a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) and creating a positive Behavior Support Plan (BSP). Getting on top of these behaviors will create a calmer and less frustrating living environment for the whole family.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nickdsautism/

Twitter @tjunnerstall

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Fun Side of Nick, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

DS-ASD~ Summer Vacation Highlights

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

DS-ASD~ Summer Vacation Highlights

OBX flags 2019

We are back after a two week vacation from Virginia and the Outer Banks, NC. It was so relaxing to be off the grid and enjoy time with family. My son Nick is 25 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). As a family, we have always made a commitment to travel with our son. It can be challenging for a child with special needs to navigate airports, hotels and unfamiliar venues. But there are things you can put in place to make vacations go smoother…..

In my last blog entry you can access my top 7 vacation travel tips for families: https://nickspecialneeds.com/2019/06/17/ds-asd7-vacation-tips-for-special-needs-families/ 

Here are some of the highlights from our summer vacation in Virginia and the Outer Banks (OBX):

In Virginia, we enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Nick’s Aunt Ali and Uncle Ron with beautiful views, kayaking on the James River, great food and relaxing in the peaceful country…..

 

Highlights from the Outer Banks, in Duck, OBX:

At OBX we enjoyed beach and pool time, great company, delicious meals and a nice birthday celebration dinner on the sound side of OBX. Nick did well tolerating the sandy beaches this year, and spent more time than ever with us as a family!  We put Nick in tennis shoes to make his way out on the hot sand, with a texture that tends to bother him from a sensory standpoint. He did well hanging out both under the umbrella and out at the water’s edge……….

Nick and Dad OBX beach 2019   Nick and Anna OBX 2019

Dinner on the sound side of OBX at Aqua Restaurant and Spa, including Nick with his Dad & Mom, Uncle Ron & Aunt Ali, Cousins Anna & Sam and Nick’s brother and girlfriend Hank & Kristin…..

Aqua Restaurant and Spa features excellent food, wine, spa treatments and sunsets. Thank you both- to my son Hank for treating me to a pedicure overlooking the sound, and to Ali for the relaxing (and much needed) Swedish massage. As a mother of a child with special needs, it’s crucial to take time for some TLC and pamper yourself. Moving forward, I’m going to make it a priority to do this more than once a year on my birthday. It is good for the soul! 🙂

Sunrise at Duck, OBX….

OBX sunrise 2019

We are very grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to spend vacation each summer with Ali and Ron hosting in Virginia and OBX. Anna, thank you for cooking and introducing us to some wonderful & tasty vegan dishes. The familiar venues help Nick feel secure in his surroundings. This predictability helps him to be less anxious on vacations and makes for a more relaxing experience for all of us.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

To see more pictures of the trip and Nick click below to follow on social media:

Instagram– https://www.instagram.com/nickdsautism/

Twitter– https://twitter.com/tjunnerstall

Facebook Page and Pinterest- Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism