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

Clinical studies on Down syndrome involve both mouse models and individuals with Down syndrome. By testing functional abilities, researchers gain a better understanding of the differences and develop tools to test therapies and treatments.

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 690 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
Online Bulletin Board/Listserve has been closed. Please join the conversation on Facebook.

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.