Blog #259~Nick’s Dual Diagnosis: Down Syndrome and Autism- Day Program Resumes
After nearly a 4 year hiatus, Nick is FINALLY back in his adult day program! The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent staff shortages really halted these programs across the country. When these programs started back up, they did so cautiously. Many were hesitant to admit clients with higher needs. My son Nick is 30 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). I am thrilled to share with you how his transition went back to his day program.
I will admit that I’ve been hesitant to write about Nick’s return to his program for fear of jinxing it. The transition back started as a trial run with Nick going half days, 3 times a week. We worked closely with the behaviorist (BCBA) to create a smooth transition. The BCBA sent questionaires to all of the personal support workers that have been working with Nick for the past few years to get their perspectives. Social stories, daily schedules and a communication book were created to help Nick understand and navigate his new routine. All of these tools are evidenced based practices that help indidivuals with autism and other disabilities to have smooth transitions.
The BCBA did observations and took data on behaviors which led to the creation of a behavior support plan. She fully expected that behaviors would occur when Nick started back. He did test the staff as she expected, with many attention seeking behaviors. Lisa, who is Nick’s personal support worker, reminded us that he’s had her 1:1 undivided attention for nearly 4 years here at home. The new ratio of the day program is 6 clients: 2 staff per room. The class sizes are much smaller than when Nick attended before the Covid-19 pandemic, which has proven to be easier to manage and safer.
Nick gradually expanded to 5 days a week and eventually went to full day hours. The staff was commited to making it a success and he settled into this new routine very well. One key to this success was having Nick’s personal support worker, Mireya work in the room with him for the first few weeks. Here they are making greeting cards for senior citizens:
The adult day program provides a variety of activities for the clients. I sent in a few of the matching activities that Nick does at home so there was some familiarity and success with things that he is good at. Here are a few more photos of activites and jobs that he has been doing:
Nick shredding documents:
Nick pushing the cooking cart:
Nick in the gym:
Nick walking on the track:
Nick gardening:
As you can see, Nick has a full day of fun and meaningful activities at his day program. He is always excited to go each day. We are so happy that this opportunity is available for Nick and the other clients who thrive with a routine and structure. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Nick’ personal support workers, Lisa, Mireya, Lara and Jeannette for their hard work and commitment over the past few years. Having respite care allows families to be able to work outside the home and get a break to enjoy some personal time. I also want to thank my husband, Al for taking on the bulk of driving Nick to and from his program.
I look forward to sharing more about Nick’s return to his day program in future blogs and on social media. Be sure to follow us to see more pictures and videos of Nick in action on Facebook and Instagram at: Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism. That’s what is in my noggin this week.
~Teresa 🙂
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 