Down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder

Note that in the US publications, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) may be referred to as pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).

Buckley, Sue (2005) Autism and Down syndrome Down Syndrome News and Update 4(4) 114-120
Good general introduction which discusses recognition and diagnosis, includes a couple of parent-authored cameo studies of children and offers suggested preliminary intervention strategies that families can apply at home to support their child.

Down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder Disability Solutions Vol 3 issue 5-6 (1999)
(also reproduced by the Kennedy Krieger Institute)
“This issue is a collection of information that I feel is essential for parents who are either concerned their child may have DS-ASD or is diagnosed with DS-ASD. It is all the information I wish I could have had immediately”. Joan Guthrie Medlen
This issue of 'Disability Solutions' includes the following articles and a further reading and resources list. It appeared in 1999 but the information is still very relevant to families today:

Guthrie Medlen, Joan E (1999) More than Down syndrome: A parent’s view pp 1-7

Capone, George T (1999) Down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder: A look at what we know pp 8-15
Also available from Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (UK)

Patterson, Bonnie (1999) Dual diagnosis: the importance of diagnosis and treatment pp16-17

Bierman Gee, Julie (1999) Language and communication: the key is effectiveness pp 18-22

Winders, Pat C (1999) Gross motor development in children with Down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder: clinic observations pp 23-24

Swiezy, Naomi (1999) Changing behaviour… and teaching new skills pp 25-30

Lashno, Mary (1999) Sensory integration: Observations of children with Down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorders pp 31-35

New Zealand Down Syndrome Association Newsletter (2004) includes a special feature Dual diagnosis - Down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder Autumn 2004, vol 20. Includes a good concise overview of combined diagnoses and a short piece on improving language and communication as well as two stories from families who have children with dual diagnosis with ASD.

The Down syndrome & autistic spectrum listserv
Hosted by Joan Guthrie Medlen and associates this is a discussion list for families, parents, and professionals with an interest in this dual diagnosis.

Vatter, Glen Diagnosis of autism in children with Down syndrome (1998)
Detailed readable discussion of diagnosis of autism in individuals who have Down syndrome.

Capone, George T (2002) Down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorders in 'Down syndrome. Visions for the 21st century' by Cohen, William et al (eds), ch 24 pp 327-336
Although this is a more academic overview of Down syndrome and ASD, it also includes general recommendations and useful advice for families to support intervention to manage a child with ASD.