| The DS-Autism Connection |
A collaborative initiative of
the Mile High Down Syndrome Association, the Denver Adult Down
Syndrome Clinic and the Autism Society of Colorado
“Providing
Education, Support and Inspiration for the
Journey” |
|
| Mission |
|
The mission of The DS-Autism Connection is to provide specialized education and support to parents, educators and health care providers caring for individuals faced with the unique challenges caused by the Down syndrome/Autistic Spectrum Disorder dual diagnosis (DS-ASD). |
| Who
and Where |
 The
DS-Autism Connection is the collaborative
initiative of the Mile
High Down Syndrome Association (MHDSA,
fiscal agent), the Denver Adult
Down Syndrome Clinic, and
the Autism
Society of Colorado. Additional
support is provided by dynamic experts
in the field from JFK Partners, The
Children’s Hospital – Denver,
and the National Down Syndrome
Congress. Those
benefiting from The DS-Autism Connection
include Colorado parents, guardians,
caregivers, educators, health care
providers, service coordinators, clergy,
and others, providing care to children
and adults with the DS-ASD dual diagnosis
and/or complex behaviors.
Down
syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder
(autism) are both equal opportunity
disabilities – meaning that anyone,
anywhere, regardless of race, creed
or socio-economic status, can have
a child with either condition. Down
syndrome occurs once in every 733 live
births, making it the most commonly-occurring
chromosomal condition. It is believed
that between 5 percent and 10 percent
of those born with Down syndrome also
fall somewhere on the autistic spectrum. |
| Why |
Our
goal is to make sure that Colorado’s families, teachers and health care providers will receive the education and support they need – with
the ultimate goal being that the children
and adults living with DS-ASD will
receive the understanding, education,
medical care and opportunities they
so greatly deserve.
The
DS-Autism Connection initiative is
the first time in our three organizations’ rich
histories that we are offering support
and education for this specific combination
of diagnoses. |
| Join
Our Online Bulletin Board/Listserve |
The
DS-Autism Connection has just developed our own Yahoo! Group
called colorado_ds_autism_connection, available by invitation
only. Please send an email to
familyprograms@mhdsa.org to
request an invitation to join or click
here.
|
| Future
Plans |
We are planning on offering a gathering of the DS-Autism Connection community in the summer months and a mini-conference/educational program in the fall. |
| Get
Involved |
Would
you like to be part of the planning efforts for this brand-new
initiative? If so, please email familyprograms@mhdsa.org. |
The
DS-Autism Connection