I am Irma Canfield who graciously assumed the position as Chair member of San Antonio National Autism Association of Central Texas. A Texas native, married to James and have 3 sons, Roland (32), Richard (22), and Steven (20).

My journey entering the autism community began when my son who was diagnosed with Down syndrome soon after birth. At the age of 13 years old diagnosed with severe autism.

This was the beginning of asking a million questions about raising a child with complex challenges. I had channeled my energy into constructive action. Throughout the years I have volunteered supporting the autism community.

I continue to fulfill my passion to advocate. I was looked up to, as an advocate for others with disAbilities. Whether, I wanted this role or not, I certainly did not feel qualified. And I look back over the years with my son, Steven and know I have come a long ways in understanding these challenges that come with raising my son who has inspired me as it comes from loving him and this keeps me going.

My passion to advocate is important to be proactive in affecting public perception of the individuals under the autism spectrum. This is not done through public policy. This is done by winning the hearts and minds of those in the community we interact with day in and out. This is a call to return to a sense of community. Where individuals feel obliged to help each other, so is my call to action for SA NAA of Central Texas. I ask you to be active and continue to keep that strong focus to have a place to get to know other families on this same journey.

Dual Diagnosis: Down Syndrome & Autism

Down Syndrom/Autism Yahoo Group

Dual Diagnosis: Autism and Down Syndrome
I recently came across a well written article by Glenn Vatter on this very subject that ... Autism diagnosis is much more complicated than Down syndrome; ...
Blog for Down Syndrome/Autism

Autism and Comorbid Features: Autistic Regression
Nov 16, 2008 ... Autism and Comorbid Features: Autistic Regression ... and when autism is comorbid with Down Syndrome, regression in language and other ...
Autism and Comorbid Features Blog

Autism and Down Syndrome Co-occurrence of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Trisomy 21
The co-existence of Down syndrome and an autism spectrum disorder is the ... 13: 2007] confirms that initial co-morbidity rates of Down Syndrome and an ASD ...
Autism and Down Syndrome

Bridging Biochemistry of Down Syndrome to Autism
Implications for Understanding Autism in General Population
YouTube Video

Changing Behavior & Teaching New Skills
One methodology that has proven effective for children with autistic spectrum ..... Children with Down syndrome and autistic spectrum present a unique blend of characteristics. The dual diagnosis also complicates intervention strategies, ... methods that address the specific needs of your child and your family. ...
Article

Creating Solutions & Disability Solutions Newsletters
A Publication for Families and Others Interested in Down Syndrome and Developmental Disabilities
Disability Solutions

Diagnosis of Autism in Children With Down Syndrome
Apr 26, 1999 ... Glenn Vatter 3124 Henneberry Road Jamesville, NY 13078-9640 ... Autism diagnosis is much more complicated than Down syndrome; ...
Article

Down Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Look at What We Know
Failure to recognize the dual diagnosis except in the most severe cases. .... Forness, S., and Kavale, K. "autistic Children in School: The Role of the ...
Article

Down Syndrome and Comorbid Autism-Spectrum Disorder: Characterization Using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist
George T. Capone,. 1,2,5. * Marco A. Grados, ...
Article

Down Syndrome with autistic-like symptoms
The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. helps children & adults with conditions such as Autism & PDD, ADD/ADHD, Down Syndrome with autistic-like symptoms, ...
Article

Down syndrome Research / Stanford School of Medicine
Awareness about autism has risen over the past decade, but little is known about the dual diagnosis Down syndrome and autism. In this News and Views issue, we discuss this dual diagnosis.
Article

Down syndrome Research Foundation
title, Comorbidity of Down syndrome and autism. authors, Robert J. Pary. Source, In Habilitative Mental Healthcare Newsletter , 1997 Jan/Feb;16(1):1 p. ...
Article

Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome Autism/DS-ASD
This Website has been created to try and bring together information for parents with children who have been diagnosed with both Down’s Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Article

Study Links Regions Of Two Chromosomes To Susceptibility For Type Of Autism
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study links regions of two chromosomes to susceptibility for a type of autism characterized by regression in ...
Article

Study links regions of two chromosomes to susceptibility for type ...
Dr. Molloy and colleagues in the division of human genetics examine...,Study,links,regions,of,two,chromosomes,to,susceptibility,for,type,of,autism,medicine ...
Article

Down Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Look At What We Know
professionals to consider the possibility of a dual diagnosis (Down syndrome with a ... MRI in children with autism shows involvement of several different ...
Article