Autism and downs syndrome

[Frances Green]

One of my elder sisters has downs and autism and we find it very hard to draw the line between autism and downs and as a sibling I find it difficult. I was wondering if there is anyone else who knows someone who has both.

[marthamae]

One of my elder sisters has downs and autism and we find it very hard to draw the line between autism and downs and as a sibling I find it difficult. I was wondering if there is anyone else who knows someone who has both.


Hi
I support adults with autism in a residential setting and also have a teenage relative who is downs. I would like to state that Autism and Downs are not diseases but it is part of who they are which is a popukar misconception. In my experience people make the mistake of treating people with a learning disability as if they are stupid which can be far from the truth, what they lack can be made up in other areas (just like the rest of us).

In both my work environment and personal life I treat the people i support and my relative how i treat my daughter, teaching manners, respect etc
I understand that parents can be concerned about a child who is diagnosed with either autism or downs but they seem to forget other sibling, there achievements etc.

THANKS