Appendix 42 - Additional diagnoses
Information on Dual Diagnosis - Autism and Down Syndrome:
Having a diagnosis of Autism and Down’s syndrome is sometimes referred to as ‘dual diagnosis’. A person who has Down’s syndrome may have a different additional diagnoses, so dual diagnosis should not automatically mean autism but the phrase tends to be used in this way.
In the past some professionals considered a dual diagnosis of Autism and Down’s syndrome to be uncommon, if not impossible. It is now widely accepted that the two conditions can, and do, co-exist.
Research suggests variable but relatively high rates of Autism in children who have Down’s syndrome. We are beginning to understand that people who have a dual diagnosis may present differently to people who have a single diagnosis of either Down’s syndrome or Autism.
Research looking at children who have dual diagnosis suggests this group of people may:
Share a similar profile of communication, stereotypical behaviours & difficulties coping with changes in routine.
Are less affected by social difficulties & problems with eye-gaze.
Are more preoccupied with body movement & rituals.
Have strengths in adaptative functioning, relating to others & imitation.
Have higher levels of conduct problems & hyperactivity.
Are more likely to have severe to profound levels of learning disability.
The DSA Complex Needs and Autism Group:
https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/training/
Early regression in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome.
A Systematic Review of Unexplained Early Regression in Adolescents and Adults with Down Syndrome, Madeleine Walpert, Shahid Zaman and Anthony Holland.
Discuss with neurology and/or CAMHS/SCAN.
“In recent years, some adolescents and young adults with DS have been described as having rapid cognitive deterioration. This regression is characterized by a loss of autonomy and daily skills, reduced speech, and
psychomotor activity. Clinical onset can be sudden or progressive, and the evolution is quite variable. Isolated cases have been reported in the literature since 2011 with various designations, including “Down syndrome disintegrative disorder,” “New-Onset Autistic Regression”, “Regression, Dementia, and Insomnia”, and “Catatonia”. The etiology of regression remains unknown. In some cases, medical conditions (sleep apnea, Hashimoto’s disease, depression) or stressful life events (end of secondary education, death of a close relative) were noticed prior to regression. Increased attention from the medical community regarding regression in young adults with DS would improve diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.”
Acute Regression in Young People with Down Syndrome - PMC
Consider this within dual diagnosis or history of regression
Dr Shahid Zaman now leads the DS research in Cambridge and he is about to start a study on regression in people with DS and Professor Andre Strydom KCL, London - leads research at King’s College in London.