Down Syndrome and Autism; a Dual Diagnosis

Where does autism come from? There are all kinds of conspiracy theories floating around as well as thoughts on how we can treat it, or steps we can take to avoid it.  My son has Down syndrome and autism.  I work with a community of individuals where upwards of 20%, likely more not officially diagnosed, have a dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome.  Most caregivers do not seek the dual diagnosis.

This is my experience with autism.  When I was pregnant with my son, who I knew had Down syndrome at the time, I read a book about how common the dual diagnosis was.  I prayed and prayed this would not be us.  It would be too much and entirely unfair. Fast forward to the birth of my son and the subsequent 3 years that followed, and I found myself wondering where my social child with Down syndrome was?  Why isn’t he speaking like everyone else with Down syndrome?  Why is he more delayed?  I sought an official diagnosis and my fears were confirmed. And I was angry.  I felt it was unfair.  As if Down syndrome wasn’t enough.  Now this, too?  I spent so much time learning about Down syndrome, only to discover my son also had autism and it seemed to be more predominate then his Down syndrome. Fast forward to today with my 9-year autistic son who has Down syndrome.  I reflect on autism and my thoughts about neurodiversity.  I do not believe it autism came from anything in the environment or any choice we made. I knew he had autism from the very beginning.  There was no regression. Paul’s autism is who Paul is. It is now what I view to be a beautiful part of who he is.  If given the choice, I would keep it 100 times over.  His combination of autism and Down syndrome has resulted in the most gentle, sweet, affectionate, loving individual I have ever met.  I find it to be insulting when people speak of his autism as a mistake, vaccine injury, or error. And I can honestly say, his adult peers, those with dual diagnoses, are some of my most favorite individuals on this planet.  They have a spirit that is so unique and special.  I am so grateful to be surrounded by these individuals, both at home and at work. 

It’s important we start changing the dialogue around disability. Whether we are referring to autism, Down syndrome, or some other intellectual and/or developmental disability.  These individuals are not the result of mistakes in the environment or medicine, like a cancer occurring condition.  They have a rightful place on this planet just as any other minority group does, both brilliant and beautiful in their uniqueness.