Autism or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain disorder, present from birth, but cause is unknown. In the USA, autistic spectrum disorder is described as pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). The pattern and severity of symptoms can vary from child to child. Autism can occur alone or in association with other developmental disorders like mental retardation, learning disabilities, epilepsy and Down syndrome.

Down syndrome or trisomy 21 is a genetic condition in which a person inherits an extra copy of one chromosom, thus Children with Down syndrome have all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21, and this additional genetic material results in characteristic physical and intellectual features. It is the most common chromosome abnormality in humans and the commonest inherited cause of learning disability.

Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of autism or autistic spectrum disorder is usually made by a psychiatrist. There is no objective test for autism such as a blood test or a brain scan at the present time. The diagnosis is made on the basis of having a particular pattern of development and behaviors, described below.
1. Social impairments
2. Communication impairments
3. Repetitive stereotyped behaviors.
However, many of the individual behaviors are not indicative of autism on their own. Many of these behaviors are seen in typically developing children at early stages in their development and may be seen for longer in children who are delayed in their progress. Children with delays in communication, children with hearing and vision impairments, children with brain damage and children with severe learning difficulties are all more likely to show behaviors that are on the autistic symptom list. This means that there is plenty of room for different opinions and for mistakes in diagnosis.

Symptoms and Differences:
Down’s syndrome affects all ethnic groups equally, and affects more boys than girls. A child with Down’s Syndrome often looks different from other children, with a flat facial profile and eyes that slant upwards, smaller ears, a flat back of the head and protruding tongue with broad hands with a single crease across the palm. Also almost half of children affected have heart defects.
Whereas children with autism have various impairments ranging from social to communication to learning. Children with autism have difficulty in learning language and social skills and in relating to people, and maybe aggressive or show self-injurious behaviour. Usually language is slow to develop, and may include peculiar speech patterns or the use of words without attachment to their normal meaning.
Readers may be interested to know that in many research studies, the performance of children with Down syndrome and children with autism, matched for IQ and age, has been compared. The majority of children with Down syndrome do not show the deficits in social and emotional understanding that are shown by the autistic children.
It is important to note at this point that some persons are diagnosed with only Autism or only Down syndrome. While some are diagnosed with both down syndrome and autism. I believe with the above explanations, going forward you should be able to isolate the three groups ASD, DS or ASD/DS.

Treatment and Management:
Like in autism, it is largely believed there is no cure for Down syndrome. But this long held belief is changing. While changes to some of the physical features of DS can be achieved with reconstructive surgery, it is equally possible to manage the symptoms of Autism to a point where they are no longer noticeable or manifested. Autism remission is possible using a three- stage technique. Stage one involves detailed profiling, stage two entails identifying nutrient deficiency and allergy, while stage three, though optional, is recovery classes.

Support/ Help:
M.R. is available to help you. Chat me on WhatsApp or send your email address by sms 0.9.0.2.3.0.7.3.3.6.7. We will reach out to you and share your burden while also providing you with alternative health care management for persons living with autism.

DS

ASD

A Brazilian boy who was diagnosed with ASD at age 2, now speaks 9 international languages at age 7.
Who has ever mastered 9 languages in 5years. The truth is that Autistic children are gifted but they need early intervention of experts who understand their peculiar situation. Click link below for an interesting read
https://www.nairaland.com/5294755/brazilian-boy-diagnosed-autism-2

IQ

Helping Your Child with Autism Thrive and 3 Tips to Recovery.

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/helping-your-child-with-autism-thrive.htm

10 things parents can do to help their child with autism

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/10-things-parents-can-do-help-their-child-autism

Don't abandon/ignore your autistic child. Treatment is available.

Down syndrome is not a disability . Just a physical appearance difference. Lets End the Stigmatization.

ASD support

Don't hide or seclude your child with autism. Bring him or her to Mission Restore for proper profiling and treatment.
That child will be wholly restored to excel in academics and sports competing with children without autism.

Autism defers from Cerebral palsy

You can now get medical test in your Home for N5k to N10k. Avoid blind treatment