DS-ASD Dual Diagnosis Resources

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s development of social and communication skills. As research of developmental disabilities advances, studies are now showing that people with Down syndrome are more likely to have autism than their neurotypical peers. When a person is diagnosed with both Down syndrome and autism, that person is often referred to as having a dual diagnosis or DS-ASD.

Getting & Understanding a Diagnosis

Research into DS-ASD is a relatively new field of study and, as result, many people with Down syndrome and autism remain undiagnosed with the latter. The more information is shared and relationship between Down syndrome and autism is understood, the sooner an individual with DS-ASD can be diagnosed after autistic characteristics first begin to present. Once an individual receives a dual diagnosis, additional resources for support, such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, are often made available to families.

The NDSS Down Syndrome and Autism pamphlet offers a concise overview of what to do if you suspect your child may have a dual diagnosis and the behaviors that may indicate ASD (see below). Comprehensive information is also available from the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection, the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to DS-ASD in the United States. Additional reading can be found at the websites for the National Down Syndrome Society and Down Syndrome Resource Foundation.

Behaviors to Notice

Before 3 Years Old
Before 3 years old:
- Repetitive motor behaviors
- Fascination with and staring at lights, ceiling fans, or fingers
- Episodic eye movements
- Extreme food refusal
- Unusual play with toys or other objects
- Receptive language impairment
- Little or no meaningful spoken language, gestures, or signs
3 Years and Older
3 years and older:
- History of developmental regression
- Hyper or hypo-activity, short attention, impulsivity, and poor organization
- Unusual vocalizations
- Unusual sensory responsiveness
- Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings
- Extreme anxiety, fearfulness, or agitation
- Sleep disturbances
- Disruptive behaviors
Teens and Adults
Teens and Adults:
- Significant lack of social response or relatedness with family or friends
- Lack of interest or ability to develop relationships with peers
- Antisocial, anxious, or fearful in the presence of people they don’t know
- Intensified stereotypic and repetitive motor behaviors
- Obsession or fascination with inanimate objects
- Lack of ability or interest in creative play
- Manipulation of objects in rigid ways
- Intensified sensitivity to certain types of sensory input
- Frequent tantrums and outbursts, as well as verbal or physical aggression
- Great difficulty in adjusting to transitions
- Dropping to the ground and refusing to move

If you believe your child should be evaluated for ASD, the West Michigan providers listed below are available to provide testing and a diagnosis to families.

Autism Evaluation in West Michigan
Resources listed are not necessarily endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at director@dsawm.org.
- BRAINS Grand Rapids
- Helen DeVos Behavioral Health Clinic – Spectrum Health Grand Rapids
- Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
- Mary Free Bed Kids – Autism Spectrum Disorder Program Grand Rapids
- Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids
- WMed Pediatric Autism Center Kalamazoo
Blue Cross Blue Shield maintains a list of approved autism evaluation centers (AAECs) across the state that may be helpful in identifying an evaluation site outside of West Michigan.

Additional information about diagnosis can be found at the website for the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

Community Supports

Resources listed are not necessarily endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at director@dsawm.org.

Ds-ASD Support
- Down Syndrome-Autism Connection provides education and support to individuals facing the unique challenges caused by co-occurring Down syndrome and autism
- Ds-ASD Listserv managed by the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County for the purpose of providing friends, relatives, and caregivers of people with dual diagnoses with a place where they can connect to share information
- DSDN Dual Diagnosis – Down syndrome and Autism Facebook group for parents of children diagnosed with Down syndrome and Autism created by the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
Autism Support
- Autism Society of Michigan committed to empowering individuals with autism and their families by offering educational resources and materials, workshops, seminars and other services
- Autism Alliance of Michigan leads efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan
- Autism Support of Kent County works to provide services that make it possible for individuals with autism to lead healthier and more productive lives
- Autism Support of West Shore advocates and supports meaningful participation in all aspects of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in West Michigan
- Hope Network Center for Autism a multi-disciplinary team of experts specialized in treating learners on the autism spectrum as young as 18-months-old
Michigan Alliance for Families shares additional resources on their website specific to residents with autism in the state of Michigan.

West Michigan Parents Share Their Stories

The Wigger Family

When her son Owen was diagnosed with autism 2 1/2 years after his Down syndrome diagnosis, Amy struggled to come to terms with the added challenges that a dual diagnosis would have on her son’s life. As new research shows that DS-ASD dual diagnoses are becoming more prevalent, Amy is embracing her role as an advocate for children like Owen.