What are the similarities and differences between down syndrome Autism?

Similarities between Down syndrome and Autism

* Both Down syndrome and autism are neurodevelopmental disorders that can affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others.

* Both Down syndrome and autism can cause delays in speech and language development.

* Both Down syndrome and autism can cause problems with social skills, such as difficulty understanding social cues and making friends.

* Both Down syndrome and autism can be associated with repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping or rocking.

* Both Down syndrome and autism can be associated with sensory processing issues, such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to light, sound, or touch.

Differences between Down syndrome and Autism

* Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, while autism is a spectrum disorder that is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

* Down syndrome typically causes a characteristic physical appearance, including a broad head, short stature, and an open mouth, while autism does not have any specific physical features.

* Down syndrome is typically associated with intellectual disability, while autism can be associated with a wide range of intellectual abilities, from intellectual disability to giftedness.

* Down syndrome is usually diagnosed in infancy, while autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood, between the ages of 2 and 5 years.

It is important to note that Down syndrome and autism are two distinct disorders, and not all people with Down syndrome will have autism, and not all people with autism will have Down syndrome.