Resources

The first edition of When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect was the first book to focus on the unique profile of a Down Syndrome-Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD) diagnosis. Now with this greatly expanded, updated second edition, it remains the only book for parents and professionals offering a comprehensive guide to supporting individuals with this complex dual diagnosis. Written by a large team of veteran parents and experts in the field, it covers every aspect of caring for children and adults with DS-ASD. Full of good will and respect for the DS-ASD community, this book offers sound information and resources steeped in research and clinical findings. It is also grounded in respect and concern for the parents’ need for specialized supports. Families will find a treasure trove of anecdotes and practical advice, discovering that they are not alone as they continue on their DS-ASD journey.

At last, a book that takes a deep dive into the complexities that families face raising a child with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A New Course is a hybrid of a memoir combined with valuable lessons following each chapter and in the appendix. It’s a must read for families, school faculty, therapists, physicians, and support groups wanting to understand a parent’s perspective and looking for answers about early intervention, Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and transition meetings, speech, physical, and occupational therapies, behavior support and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), toilet training and puberty issues, wandering and elopement, meltdowns, and augmentative and alternative communication.

Author Teresa Unnerstall provides guidance and hope steeped in more than 25 years of experience. She is a parent turned educational speaker, writer, advocate, and consultant. Her determination to find resources, support, and specialists helped her son to reach his full potential.