Blog #257~DS-ASD=Taking on Transitions The challenges faced by individuals with co-occurring Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) are complex. These can include communication deficits, cognitive delays, sensory processing issues and rigidity. Transitions can be tough, moving from one activitiy to another, changing venues, staff and caregivers can all be stressful. Predictability and consistency are key components which help individuals with DS-ASD cope in a world that moves fast. My son Nick is 29 years old, and has co-occurring DS-ASD. Many of the families that I’ve worked with over the years fi ..read more

Blog #256~Guest Blog: 10 Pillars of Independence Made Simple, by Steve Friedman As National Family Caregiver Month comes to a close I want to highlight a great resource for families having a loved one with Down syndrome and DS-ASD. Steve Friedman has written an excellent book to help caregivers navigate future planning with an emphasis on helping your loved one become as indepedent as possible. As a parent to my son Nick who is 29 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD), my concerns in the area of future planning are at an all time high. I found the information ..read more

Blog #255~Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Extra Good Reads October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. My son Nick is 29 years old and has a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD. I’ve been writing this blog since 2012, to help educate and inspire families and professionals. Last week, in blog #254, I put the spotlight on many DS owned businesses check it out here: https://nickspecialneeds.com/2023/10/16/blog254down-syndrome-awareness-monthsupporting-down-syndrome-businesses/ This week I want to highlight some good reads related to Down syndrome. There are many books on Amazon available with a variety of topi ..read more

Blog #253~Down Syndrome Awareness Month October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. My son, Nick is 29 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). As a parent, writer and advocate, my mission is to educate others to better understand more about Down syndrome and autism. Down syndrome awareness is about promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome in all aspects of our society. Down syndrome also called Trisomy 21, is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome. For more information about Down syndrome cl ..read more

Blog #252~DS-ASD:Teaching Personal Hygiene and Independent Living Skills at Home The importance of teaching personal hygiene and other independent living skills at home can’t be emphasized enough. Parents, caregivers, teachers and aides are all on the front lines to support individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). My son Nick is 29 years old and has DS-ASD, and honestly one of the most challenging areas to teach is personal hygiene. One thing that I have learned over the years is that it is never to early or late to work on these skills. This week we will examine ..read more

Blog #248~Down Syndrome Awareness Month October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. My son, Nick is 28 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). As a parent, writer and advocate, my mission is to educate others to better understand more about Down syndrome and autism. Down syndrome awareness is about promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome in all aspects of our society. Click here to get the facts about Down syndrome: @ http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/ Here’s how YOU can promote Down ..read more

Blog #247~DS-ASD Back to School Tips This week I have 10 back to school tips and strategies specifically geared to individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) and their families. My name is Teresa Unnerstall, I am a DS-ASD parent, consultant and author of A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism. My son Nick is 28 years old and my passion is to help families, educators, therapists, medical professionals and anyone interested in supporting individuals with co-occurring DS-ASD. Order your copy on Amazon at https://a ..read more

Blog #246~DS-ASD at the NDSC Convention 2022 Being a parent of a child with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD), can often feel isolating. The complex needs of speech deficits, sensory and behavior concerns related to co-occurring DS-ASD make parents feel like they don’t fit into the Down syndrome or autism support groups. For the longest time I avoided going to the Down syndrome functions and conferences for this very reason. I know that other families have felt the same about not fitting into the DS groups. It is a lonely feeling. My son Nick is 28 years old and has DS-ASD ..read more

Blog #245~DS-ASD Update What does life look like now for Nick since the pandemic hit over 2 years ago? It’s very different, uncomplicated and often redundant. Sometimes it feels like the movie Ground Hog Day, with the same thing happening over and over. It’s not a sad life, it’s just a different life. My son is 28 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). This week, I want to paint a picture of what life is like for Nick and our family these days and how we make his days meaningful so he knows his value and worth. For 10 years I wrote diligently and posted a blog ..read more

Blog #244~ Kicking off Autism Awareness Month with Forever Boy April is Autism Awareness-Acceptance Month. I want to kick it off with the book release of Forever Boy by Kate Swenson, creator of Finding Cooper’s Voice. Available on Amazon https://amzn.to/3K8nw8N , Barnes and Nobles, Target and more Forever Boy is a memoir of Kate Swenson’s journey as the mother of Cooper, who was diagnosed with severe, non-verbal autism. There were many resonating stories in her book I related to and wrote candidly about in my book, A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism (https://a ..read more