This is the second episode of our two-part series discussing Down syndrome and Autism. If you haven't caught up on the first episode, you can tune in to our interview with Royal Children’s Hospital, Specialist Autism Team and Trisomy 21 Clinic Paediatrician, Doctor Laura Marco and a parent from our community, Cher Jimenez, ⁠HERE⁠.

In this episode of our podcast Down Syndrome Victoria's Family Support Manager, Sonia Bonadio, chats with parent Melissa Jenkinson about:

• Her experience of the co-occurring diagnosis of her son, Owen
• The path to diagnosis
• Family life in regional Victoria
• Therapy and what sorts have been useful
• Advocating for your child
• And more

Whilst this particular episode discusses co-occurring diagnosis with a focus on Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we wish to acknowledge that having a co-occurring diagnosis can include ADHD, OCD and a number of other conditions. The very definition of co-occurring diagnosis is one condition occurring simultaneously with another or others, meaning it is not limited to ASD.

To speak directly with the Family Support Team at Down Syndrome Victoria please email info@dsav.asn.au or phone 03 9486 9600.

For further information:

• Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, ⁠Complex Trisomy 21 Clinic⁠
• ⁠Down Syndrome Victoria⁠
• Down syndrome and Autism
• Dual Diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism
• Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD and Down syndrome
• Mental Health and Down syndrome

To learn more about our podcast and listen to other episodes as they become available, click here.