Therapeutic groups for children with dual pathology: Down's syndrome and autistic traits in Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down

In this article the author places special emphasis on the importance of making a diagnosis of the psychopathology associated with Down's syndrome (SD): the dual pathology. In particular, the diagnosis of autism, included within the general development disorders according to the DSM-IV diagnostic classification.

The alarm signals of children with DS in their first years of life, which must be evaluated in depth, are mentioned throughout the article. The different diagnostic classifications are then reviewed with the aim of adapting them to the specificity of DS. Lastly, the methodology and psychotherapy indicated after establishing the diagnosis is discussed.