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Down Syndrome & Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dual Diagnosis Support - Down Syndrome & Autism Spectrum Disorder

DSCBA is committed to provide support for families whose children have an additional diagnosis such as autism.

DSCBA Dual Diagnosis Support: Bay Area Down Syndrome & Autism Alliance | Facebook Group

This group is also open to parents (or persons,) seeking more information about co-occurring Down syndrome and autism. 

This private Facebook Group is a place for families to ask questions, share advice, strategies resources, and experiences about the unique challenges, added stress, struggles and successes of raising a child with a dual diagnosis. The focus is on helping each other to find possible solutions, along with humorous stories, in a safe, non-judgmental environment.This group is open to parents, family members, caregivers, and others working with a child or adult having Down syndrome and autism in the Bay Area.

Free Consultative Services For Our Members:

The DSCBA is happy to have a specialized resource on our team...Teresa Unnerstall.   Teresa is on the DSCBA staff working as the dual diagnosis DS-ASD Consultant. Teresa is the author of A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism. She has also met and tackled many challenges with her son Nick over the past 29 years and has documented that journey in her book and in an amazing blog (Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism) rich with empowering information, much of which you may be able to relate to and or benefit from. https://nickspecialneeds.com

Phone Consultation Hours: please text to schedule an appointment via phone or Zoom: (630) 341-3037

Email Consultation: tjunnerstall@comcast.net - (response within 48 hours)

The DSCBA is collaborating with Teresa to provide webinars, quarterly newsletters and other varying types of support opportunities based on the calls/emails she receives and your feedback. 

Click here to receive email notifications for DS-ASD events and newsletters: 

Resources:

  • Activities / Story Boards
    • A Picture is WorthPECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism, 2nd edition, Bondy, Andy and Lori Frost.  An introduction to the Picture Exchange Communication System, which is used by many people with disabilities to communicate basic needs.
    • Activity Schedules for Children with AutismMcClannahan, Lynn, 2nd edition (Woodbine House, 2010). Covers how to use activity schedules to structure tasks and teach skills

ABA and Behavior Management to Support Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis of DS-ASD
AAC Systems and Strategies (Session 3)
 
Structured Home Teaching Activities for DS-ASD Families (Session 2)
 
The Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome & Autism Webinar (Session 1). 
 

Mid-Year School Check In

Presented by Teresa Unnerstall

Mid-Year School Check-In Webinar is a practical guide for parents working with the school staff and IEP team when checking in the mid-school year. The content includes specific questions to ask at the midway point regarding the progress of your child. The material will explore effective communication, reviewing the IEP, along with behavior and communication concerns related to having a child with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. 

Our Mission

To empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.