Tag: Nick

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

Blog #258~When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #258~When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect

As Autism Acceptance Month winds down, I want to highlight a great new resource for families, medical professionals, clinicians, teachers and caregivers who are supporting an individual with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. Did you know that research shows that about 16-18% of people with Down syndrome also have autism spectrum disorder (DS-ASD) (Autism Speaks: Richards et al., 2015). Navigating the DS-ASD journey is complex and challenging, I’ve been on this road with my son Nick, for 30 years. Thankfully, the top experts in the field have joined together to create this new resource that was just published: The second edition of When Down Syndrome and Autism Interesect: A Guide to DS-ASD for Parents and Professionals, by authors Margaret Froehlke, RN, BSN and Robin Sattell, MS.

Order here: https://a.co/d/fbIBv0z

UNLOCK THE WORLD OF DS-ASD

“The first edition of When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect was the first book to focus on the unique profile of a Down Syndrome-Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD) diagnosis. Now with this greatly expanded, updated second edition, it remains the only book for parents and professionals offering a comprehensive guide to supporting individuals with this complex dual diagnosis. Written by a large team of veteran parents and experts in the field, it covers every aspect of caring for children and adults with DS-ASD. Full of good will and respect for the DS-ASD community, this book offers sound information and resources steeped in research and clinical findings. It is also grounded in respect and concern for the parents’ need for specialized supports. Families will find a treasure trove of anecdotes and practical advice, discovering that they are not alone as they continue on their DS-ASD journey.“

This new book is a game changer for the DS-ASD community. It compiles the most up-to-date, evidenced based research, best practices and strategies to support individuals with DS-ASD. I had the honor of being a contributor in chapter 10, “Understanding Communication, Behavior and Sensory Strategies”. When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect is the essential guide to help understand, navigate and empathize this complex and often difficult journey. I look forward to sharing more about the contents of this book with you in future blogs.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

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Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Education and Special Needs, Resources for Special Needs

Blog#257~DS-ASD=Taking on Transitions

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #257~DS-ASD=Taking on Transitions

The challenges faced by individuals with co-occurring Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) are complex. These can include communication deficits, cognitive delays, sensory processing issues and rigidity. Transitions can be tough, moving from one activitiy to another, changing venues, staff and caregivers can all be stressful. Predictability and consistency are key components which help individuals with DS-ASD cope in a world that moves fast. My son Nick is 29 years old, and has co-occurring DS-ASD. Many of the families that I’ve worked with over the years find transitions to be hard to navigate. There are many evidenced based practices which can help support your child.

Here are 5 Tips for Taking on Transitions:

1. Figure out “the why”. Do a little detective work to determine what might be triggering the resisistance to moving forward. Possible antecedents might be sensory overload (loud noises, crowds, etc), changing from a preferred activity to a non-preferred activitiy, not understanding what comes next and not feeling in control. These are just a few examples of why they might be struggling. Once you determine the function of the behavior, then you can put some supports in place.

2. Use a visual schedule to help provide an effective cue to move to another activity or venue. There are many apps available as well including First-Then, Kids ToDo List, and Visuals2Go.

3. Allow for processing time. Give advance notice when an activity is coming to an end, and when it will be time to move to the next. Visual timers are great tools to help with transitions. Here are two of my favorite timer apps which include the Countdown Timer and Timed Timer:

4. Create a social story to help provide a clear and predictable framework for what will happen next, what to expect and how navigate a new experience. Use the social story like a pre-game rehearsal. This allows the individual to understand what to expect, how to behave and give them a “buy in” to the transition.

5. Give verbal and non-verbal praises and provide a reward such as a transition object to help motivate the child. “Good job walking and staying close”, thumbs up/smiley face icons, high fives can all reinforce successful transitions made throughout the day. Transition objects guide the child over the bridge that encourages moving from point A to point B. The object should be highly preferred, motivating and limited access so that it keeps their interest.

Providing support for individuals with DS-ASD to assist with transitions can ease stress by helping them understand what will be happening throughout the day. It also allows the child to feel more in control over their life. For more information and tips on navigating co-occurring Down syndrome and autism, scroll the archives of this blog and check out my book A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism click to order here: https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X

That’s what is in my noggin this week 🙂

~Teresa

Follow us on social media: #Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism

Posted in Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Awareness, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

Blog#254~Down Syndrome Awareness Month:Supporting Down Syndrome Businesses

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #254~Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Supporting Down Syndrome Businesses

Individuals with disabilities often struggle to find meaningful and competitive employment opportunities as adults. Many families think outside the box to create business opportunities for their loved one with Down syndrome. This week, I want to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month by highlighting some of these business owners. As a mom to my son Nick age 29, who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD), I am a fierce advocate for indidviduals with disabilities. These are a few of my favorites that I have supported over the years.

Down Syndrome Business Guide:

*Bitty and Beau’s Coffee: It’s more than a cup of coffee. 25 Locations across the country https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/

*Candidly Kind: Grace’s mission is to to spread light love and acceptance thru her original art and life including t-shirts and lots of swag gear. https://www.candidlykind.com/ Here’s a photo I took with Grace at the NDSC convention and along with my son, Nick modeling one of her designs:

*John’s Crazy Socks: “Their mission is to show what is possible when you give someone a chance”. Every day, we demonstrate what people with intellectual disabilities can do.” https://johnscrazysocks.com/

*Gracie’s Doggie Delights: Premium dog treats with no additives, chemicals or preservatives. https://graciesdoggiedelights.com/

*Seanese: Unique tees designed by Sean McElwee from A&E’s Born this Way https://seanese.com/

*River Bend Gallery: Geoffrey Mikol is a professional artist who does beautiful photography. https://www.riverbendgalleries.com/

*Troy Made It: “Troy is a potter who is turning mud into magic.” Follow on Instagram and shopt here- https://www.etsy.com/shop/troymadeit

*Brittnay’s Baskets of Hope: “As part of our mission, we make and deliver baskets to celebrate the arrival of babies with Down syndrome that feature information and guidance for the parents and gifts of love and joy for the babies and their siblings”. https://www.brittanysbasketsofhope.org/ Follow her on social media to see all the beautiful babies that she highlights daily.

*Special Sparkle: Kelly creates beautiful hand made jewelry. https://specialsparkle.com/

21 Pineapples Shirt Company: Nate is on a mission “To change the way others perceive people with Down syndrome & other special abilities one Hawaiian shirt at a time”. https://21pineapples.com/

Bravo to these young entreprenuers who have created businesses with their passion and talents. Many of these business owners give a portion of their proceeds to help others. Thank you for taking a look at these enterprises that would make great gifts for the holidays. Please feel free to share and follow each on social media.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Follow Nick and navigating DS-ASD on Facebook and Instagram at Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism

Posted in Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Awareness, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

Blog #253~Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #253~Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. My son, Nick is 29 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). As a parent, writer and advocate, my mission is to educate others to better understand more about Down syndrome and autism. Down syndrome awareness is about promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome in all aspects of our society.

Down syndrome also called Trisomy 21, is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome.

For more information about Down syndrome click here @ http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/

Here are 7 easy ways that you can promote Down syndrome awareness and acceptance:

1. Post information and stories about individuals with Down syndrome on your social media platforms. You can follow many inspiring individuals on Facebook and Instagram like Nick at #Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism. Here are a few of my favorites: #noahsdaddotcom #calebs_crew #brittanysbaskets #chrisnikic #dsdn #chucklesandmeatloaf #nothingdownaboutit #sean_from_born_this_way #troymadeit #abigail_the_advocate #theluckyfew #aceismyfriend #ndss #ndsc

2. Use and promote “person first language” to respectively speak about a person with a disability. Individuals with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.”

3. Check with your local Down syndrome support group to see if they have promotional materials, like books and bookmarks that can be distributed at libraries and schools.

4. Many local Down syndrome support groups have public speakers available to talk with schools, businesses, community groups, hospitals, and other organizations.

5. Support or volunteer for local fundraisers like the Buddy Walk in your community @ https://www.ndss.org/play/national-buddy-walk-program/ .

6. Encourage your kids to volunteer for Special Olympics and Best Buddies programs through their school.

7. Check out my book A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism is helping so many readers understand both Down syndrome and a co-occurring Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). It’s available on Amazon. Please utilize the share buttons on social media and order your copy here: @ https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X 

Advocates for Down syndrome will tell you that “Down syndrome is just a part of who they are, not a definition of who they are”. The first step is awareness, the second step is acceptance and inclusion. Individuals with Down syndrome and their families want to encourage acceptance without judgement and change perception to see the whole person for who they are. Thank you for supporting and sharing information about Down syndrome awareness this month. Together we can promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome. That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

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Posted in Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Feeding, Personal Hygiene, Toileting, Independent living skills, Parenting Special Needs, Self-care for special needs parents

Blog #252~DS-ASD:Teaching Personal Hygiene and Independent Living Skills at Home

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #252~DS-ASD:Teaching Personal Hygiene and Independent Living Skills at Home

The importance of teaching personal hygiene and other independent living skills at home can’t be emphasized enough. Parents, caregivers, teachers and aides are all on the front lines to support individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). My son Nick is 29 years old and has DS-ASD, and honestly one of the most challenging areas to teach is personal hygiene. One thing that I have learned over the years is that it is never to early or late to work on these skills. This week we will examine specific skills and strategies to teach your loved one with DS-ASD.

Personal Hygiene and Independent Living Skills at Home:

*Using the toilet

*Putting clothes in the hamper/ hanging up towel

*Picking out clothes to wear/ dressing skills

*Brushing Teeth/ flossing

*Washing hands & face

*Putting on deodorant

*Shaving

*Beauty Regimens

*Menstrual cycle cleanliness

*Bathing/ showering & drying off

*Brushing hair

*Blowing nose

*Clipping nails/ tolerating and desensitizing nail clipping

From the list above, consider the strengths of your child, start with a more preferred activity and build from there. Offer support using visuals or visual modeling with breakdown of the steps. Here are a few examples, many of which you can get from Google Images and YouTube. Consider whether the child responds better to understanding actual photographs, videos or Picture Exchange Communication(PECS) Symbols. Many speech and occupational therapists have visual supports that they can share with you. So, be sure to ask your child’s school or private therapists for these as well.

Washing Hands Routine:

Shaving Photo Visuals on a Key Ring:

Video Modeling of Brushing Teeth:

Over the years, we have used all of these visual supports and modeling techniques to teach these tasks. It can be very beneficial to work with a BCBA behaviorist who can help target skills, breakdown the steps and practice on a consistent basis. The BCBA can also build in schedules and rewards to help support and motivate your child.

Here are some great resources for teaching personal hygiene and boundaries by author Mary Wrobel:

Independent living, hygiene and home management skills help to build confidence, a sense of ownership and belonging. Building these skills sets will give your child more jobs/day program and housing options when they become an adult.

To view more independent living skills click on the two previous blogs:

Blog #250~DS-ASD:Teaching Independent Living Skills
Blog #251~ DS-ASD: Independent Living Skills at Home

We hope that you have gained some insight and strategies for building independence from the past three blogs #250-252. Our goal and passion is to make this road of a dual diagnosis easier for other families. We also want to inspire you as a parent, teacher or caregiver to help your child reach their full potential. 🙂

For more information on navigating co-occurring DS-ASD in my book. Click here to order: https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

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Posted in Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Independent living skills, Parenting Special Needs

Blog #251~ DS-ASD: Independent Living Skills at Home

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #251~DS-ASD: Independent Living Skills at Home

As a parent, teacher and caregiver, how do you help a child reach their full potential and become as independent as possible? I am a parent of a 29 year old son who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). I work daily with my son Nick, on how to be responsible and do things independently. This gives him a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Last week’s blog focused on how to teach skills and jobs you can introduce in the kitchen. Click here to view: https://wp.me/p2ke99-3aS

This week, I have a full list of jobs for the kitchen, laundry and around the main floor living area.

Home Management Skills:

  • Cleaning up toys, putting away in bin/basket
  • Sweeping/ mopping the floor
  • Vacuuming the floor
  • Dust furniture
  • Throwing away items in the trash
  • Taking out the trash
  • Empty out recyclables and can crushing
  • Taking garbage and recycle bins to the curb
  • Picking up the mail
  • Wiping off countertops and windows
  • Set the table
  • Assist with meal planning, food preparation and making choices of food and snacks
  • Washing dishes
  • Loading and unloading the dishwasher
  • Feed pets
  • Put dirty clothes in the hamper
  • Carry and load laundry into washer and dryer
  • Folding clothes
  • Put away clothes
  • Hang up coats
  • Making the bed
  • Bring in and put away groceries
  • Water plants

In last week’s blog I mentioned the that these jobs didn’t happen overnight. We have built on these for many years. I suggest you start small and use lots of praise and rewards. Over the years we have modeled the jobs ourselves, used visuals, and video modeling to teach these tasks. It can be very beneficial to work with a BCBA behaviorist who can help you target skills, by meeting the child where they are at, breaking down the task and using the hand over hand technique as well as point prompts to support the child.

These home management skills will help to build self-esteem, along with a sense of ownership and belonging. Building a skill set of independence will give your child housing options when they become an adult. The next blog will move into the bathroom and include some personal hygiene skills. We hope that you feel inspired as a parent, teacher or caregiver to help your child to reach their full potential.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

For more information on navigating co-occurring DS-ASD. Click here to order: https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X

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Posted in Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Independent living skills, Parenting Special Needs

Blog #250~DS-ASD:Teaching Independent Living Skills

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #250~DS-ASD: Teaching Independent Living Skills

The ultimate goal for parents, teachers and caregivers is to help the child reach their full potential and become as independent as possible. I am a parent to a soon to be 29 year old son who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). I strive and struggle daily to help my son Nick, but also coach and encourage and other families by offering strategies to assist their children. Independent living skills teach kids how to be responsible and give a sense of accomplishment. How do you start teaching these skills? That’s what I want to focus on for this week’s blog and it’s also a goal that I set for myself and Nick this year.

5 Tips for teaching independent living skills:

*Meet the child where they are at and build activities around their strengths

*Use visual schedules, task strips, token boards, modeling/video modeling, point prompts and hand over hand techniques

*Start with a preferred activity and include fun tasks

*Focus on one area or task at a time and build from there

*Use a highly preferred reinforcer that is motivating to your child

The first thing to do when starting to teach a skill is to identify an activity or task. Then, you want to meet the child where they are at according to their skill level. It’s helpful to pick something that you can build around the child’s strengths. My son Nick is very good at matching and knowing where things belong. He’s always had a keen eye and we play upon this strength. It helps to focus on one area of the house at a time. Let’s start with the kitchen, what tasks could your child do?

Kitchen Task Ideas:

*Help load or unload the dishwasher/ wash and dry dishes

*Wipe down countertops and windows

*Sweep and mop floor

*Feeding pets

*Help with garbage and recycling/ can crushing

*Set the table

*Assist in meal preparation and making choices of food and snacks

*Sweep and mop floor

*Put away groceries

Using visuals can help the child make choices and understand the steps involved by breaking down the task. Schedules and token boards give the child a clear beginning and end to what is expected and provide predictability. Task strips like the one below help to break down the activity into smaller steps:

Nick’s kitchen tasks includes unloading groceries and the dishwasher and emptying the recycling container to the outdoor bin. When the weather permits, he helps push the garbage and recycling bins to the curb. This is followed by a highly preferred reward= Sprite. Nick also helps with meal prep and wiping the countertops down. He takes great pride in his jobs and this gives him a sense of accomplishment.

These jobs didn’t happen overnight. Over the years we’ve used visuals to teach tasks but also modeling/ video models, using the hand over hand technique and fading back to point prompts. It can be a a lot of frontloaded work getting started and teaching your child. Working with a BCBA behaviorist can be very beneficial in identifying target behaviors and building the skill set to complete living skills independently.

This blog will be the first of many to focus on teaching independent living skills around the house. Nick and I will take you through one room at a time. Our goal and passion is to make this road of a dual diagnosis easier for other families. We also want to inspire you as a parent, teacher or caregiver to help your child reach their full potential.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

For more information on navigating co-occurring DS-ASD in my book. Click here to order: https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X

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Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

Blog #249~DS-ASD New Year Goals

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #249~DS-ASD New Year Goals

Happy New Year and we hope you had a nice holiday. The Christmas decorations are packed away. Now, a clean slate is laid out for 2023. There is something hopeful about starting a new year. It’s an opportunity to re-set, make goals and resolutions. At the same time, those resolutions can often fall by the wayside leaving you feeling like a failure. I have those moments as a parent of a child with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). My son Nick is 28 years old, and he lives at home with us. He has not been able to go back to his adult day program or qualify for any others. This is due to staffing shortages and the complexities of behaviors and communication deficits associated with DS-ASD. Fortunately, we have a state waiver that pays for respite care and a great team of caregivers who work with Nick. This enables us to work and enjoy leisure activities that are so important for self-care. Today, Nick completed his structured teaching activities independently as he does each day at home. These activities are part of his routine which is a great way to support individuals with DS-ASD. He is very good at them and feels accomplished.

Nick doing structured teaching activities independently 🙂

Nick has settled in covered with his weighted blanket and tappers in hand. This morning he is watching classic Thomas the Tank Engine season 3. I use to feel guilty that he wasn’t watching age appropriate shows. But now I realize, this gives him a sense of comfort, much like the Bravo and Hallmark shows do for me. So, as I write this piece these questions roam in my mind:

*What more can I do to support my son?

*How can I help him be more independent?

*What else can I do to redirect and manage his behaviors?

*Do I have the bandwidth to accomplish this, run the household and work my outside jobs?

One of the worst things about being a parent and caregiver is the guilt that we feel about not doing enough for our children. This is where I want to talk about my new years goals, and what I want to share with other DS-ASD families. My goal and hope for you this is year to be kind to yourself, by entering and exiting each day with grace. I am going to remind myself and other families that this DS-ASD journey that we are on is challenging, exhausting, frustrating and uncertain. We are going to stumble, but we also get up and do it all over again each morning. I am going to forgive myself when I am impatient, and I want you to do that too. I plan on reminding myself that deep inside the ongoing passion and love for my child is what fuels me to support and advocate for him and other families…… and I am going to remind you of this in my writing and presentations for 2023.

Let’s take a deep breath, laugh, cry and celebrate those successes together. Remember this: The fact that you are reading this blog, searching for answers and trying your best is a testimony of a good and loving parent. Know that you are not alone in this journey. May we all feel optimistic for the new year and let that hope carry us through the rough patches. The DS-ASD journey includes many stumbles and falls, but a back step can also become a cha-cha. I’ll be here to prop you up when you fall, sharing ideas, strategies, empathy, hope and encouragement. That is my passion and commitment to my son and other families on this path. Cheers to the new year and exercising self-care by being kind to ourselves.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Learn more about navigating co-occurring DS-ASD:

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Posted in Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Awareness, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

Blog #248~Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #248~Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. My son, Nick is 28 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). As a parent, writer and advocate, my mission is to educate others to better understand more about Down syndrome and autism. Down syndrome awareness is about promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome in all aspects of our society.

Click here to get the facts about Down syndrome: @ http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/

Here’s how YOU can promote Down syndrome awareness and acceptance:

🙂 Post information and stories about individuals with Down syndrome on your social media platforms. You can follow many inspiring individuals on Facebook and Instagram like Nick at #Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism. Here are a few of my favorites: #noahsdaddotcom #calebs_crew #brittanysbaskets #chrisnikic #dsdn #chucklesandmeatloaf #nothingdownaboutit #sean_from_born_this_way #troymadeit #abigail_the_advocate #theluckyfew #aceismyfriend #ndss #ndsc

🙂 Use and promote “person first language” to respectively speak about a person with a disability. Individuals with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.”

🙂 If you are a parent of a child with Down syndrome, send updates, pictures and tell your story to your family doctor and OB/GYN. Consider becoming a Hope Advocate-You will get a custom hope kit to distribute to your OB/GYN and family doctor. More information @ https://hopestory.org/sign-up/

 🙂 Check with your local Down syndrome support group to see if they have promotional materials, like books and bookmarks that can be distributed at libraries and schools.

 🙂 Many Down syndrome support groups have public speakers available to talk with schools, businesses, community groups, hospitals, and other organizations.

 🙂 Support or volunteer for local fundraisers like the Buddy Walk in your community @ https://www.ndss.org/play/national-buddy-walk-program/ .

🙂 Encourage your kids to volunteer for Special Olympics and Best Buddies programs through their school.

  🙂 Here’s how you can help support families like ours, The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection is the gold standard organization supporting DS-ASD families @ http://www.ds-asd-connection.org/.  I am looking for 21 people to donate just $21 (or more) for the 3-2-1 Caring and Sharing fundraiser to directly help families navigating a dual diagnosis. The Connection provides valuable resources and support for families like ours in over 10 countries. Click here to donate: https://givebutter.com/E6h2IX/teresaunnerstall

A Lifeline for a lifetime

🙂 My book A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism is helping so many readers understand both Down syndrome and a co-occurring Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). It’s available on Amazon. Please utilize the share buttons on social media and order your copy here: @ https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X 

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is a-new-course-book-cover-multiple-books.jpg
Order your copy today at https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X

Thank you for supporting and sharing information about Down syndrome awareness this month. Together we can promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome. That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 

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Posted in Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Education and Special Needs, IEP (Indivdualized Education Plan), Parenting Special Needs

Blog #247~DS-ASD Back to School Tips

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #247~DS-ASD Back to School Tips

This week I have 10 back to school tips and strategies specifically geared to individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) and their families. My name is Teresa Unnerstall, I am a DS-ASD parent, consultant and author of A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism. My son Nick is 28 years old and my passion is to help families, educators, therapists, medical professionals and anyone interested in supporting individuals with co-occurring DS-ASD.

Order your copy on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X

10 Back to School Tips for DS-ASD Families:

1. Prepare the student with a visual countdown calendar, and re-instate morning/evening routines.

2. Tour the school with your child. Then, create a social story or video social story of the school settings and staff that the student will be interacting with. Review this story regularly for the first few weeks of school.

3. At the tour, ask the teacher to show you the safety & hygiene precautions, accommodations and equipment that is listed in the IEP to make sure everything is in place.

First Then Visual Accommodation
Teaching feelings visual accommodation
Nick using the Smart Board

4. Prepare a student “About Me” profile sheet. There are many templates available online that you can Google or try Canva for free. You can include different sections such as, Things I love, My Strengths, What Works Best for Me, How to best support me, What I struggle with and Interests. Make several copies to share with the staff.

5. Determine the modes of communication back and forth with the teacher and school staff. Examples include texting, email, communication logs/notebooks and daily report sheets. This is very important as many students with DS-ASD who have language deficits or may be non-verbal and unable to share how their day went.

Daily Report Sheet

6. Review the child’s IEP to insure that all goals and accommodations are still relevant and meaningful. Note any additional needs or concerns you have coming off of the summer break and share these with the staff.

7. If the student has a behavior support plan (BSP), check to see if this has been shared with all staff and is ready to put in place on day one. Make a list of any new target behaviors that need to be addressed and added into the BSP.

8. If the student uses AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) make sure the teacher and aides are familiar with how to use the program, whether it’s high tech or low tech like a picture exchange system (PECS). You can request a training for staff and parents on how to program devices, navigate tabs and get trained on how to utilize PECS with the school speech and language therapist or school district AAC specialists.

AAC Touch Chat Program

9. Students may have lost skills or experienced regression over the summer break. Evidenced-based practices help students regain lost skills and develop new ones. Some examples are using visuals, schedules, task strips, task analysis, first-then prompts, visual timers, choice boards and sensory breaks.

Sensory Break PECS Icon, Is there a sensory break area at your child’s school?
Time Timer App
Countdown Timer App
Choice Boards
Work Station Accommodation

10. Show your commitment by staying on top of your child’s progress. Ask for data at each quarter. Data drives decision making for future conferences and IEP meetings. If possible, volunteer at school, (room parent, field trip chaperone, art awareness presenter, book fairs, picture day and assisting with making learning materials like laminating and making copies).

Being prepared and invested in your child’s needs will help them reach their full potential for the new school year. That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 

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