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Down Syndrome and Autism with Angela Lee

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ABA is a great teaching tool to teach anything to anybody. Angela Lee, BCBA and mother of 4 joins me in this episode to discuss her son Tristan and how his Down Syndrome has inspired her work as a BCBA and teaching vocational skills.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is the triplication of the 21st chromosome. As one of the very few chromosome abnormalities that is compatible with life, Down Syndrome is an over expression of DNA seen throughout all of the body systems internally and externally. A variety of medical hurdles and low IQs ranging from 40 to 65 come along with the diagnosis of Down Syndrome. The range in which an individual is affected and how their systems are affected will vary person to person and also depend on the time in which their DNA changed, from conception or throughout gestation.

A Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism?

About 12% of individuals with Down Syndrome have autism as a dual diagnosis. This is a lot more common than most people think. Autism and Down Syndrome and can actually be both treated and managed with ABA whether it’s a dual or singular diagnosis of either. Most people recognize ABA for autism but it’s not a common therapy for Down Syndrome. Angela shares her experience as a BCBA and the incredible impact ABA can have on individuals with Down Syndrome and their goals.

Employment Opportunities for the Special Needs Community

Angela’s son Tristan is 20 years old and together they realized his only true option for work was janitorial, something he just wasn’t interested in. This sparked Angela’s ABA based employment, Riverside Coffee Shop. Angela is planning and working with individuals by providing assessment and ABA training in all the areas of need to create a functional employment experience in her coffee shop. If individuals with special needs had more vocational training to go into a job of their choice and employers had more training to work with this community, the employment opportunities would be much more broad.

As a mom, BCBA, and parent advocate, it’s Angela’s hope that other BCBAs and parents alike will use their passion to bring the special needs community together and create more vocational opportunities. She encourages parents to stay informed, knowledge is power. When you know more, you can do more.

Down Syndrome and Autism

Angela Lee on Turn Around Autism

Angela attended Touro University at Mare Island for her master’s degree and went on to complete BCBA certification through FIT (Florida Institute of Technology). Her son, Tristan, who was born with Down’s Syndrome, is her inspiration for ABA next steps-Riverside Coffee Shop which provides a vocational training program that promotes community inclusion and social interaction utilizing the coffee shop as a teaching platform. These new skills will lead to a more independent and productive lifestyle for teens and young adults diagnosed with Autism and other developmental differences. We target individuals who struggle with finding meaningful employment.

You’ll Learn

  • Is it common to have a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism?
  • What is the IQ for a person with Down Syndrome?
  • What are the employment opportunities for a person with Down Syndrome or Autism?
  • How can ABA train special needs employees?
  • Why are vocational programs important for increasing the rate of employment in the special needs community?
  • What therapies are common for someone with Down Syndrome?
  • What is Down Syndrome?

Resources

Free Workshop

Increase Talking &
Decrease Tantrums

in Young Children with

Autism &/or Speech Delays

Register for Free Training
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