BCMJ, Vol. 50, No. 8, October 2008, page(s) 438—Personal View
Kathleen Makuch, BSW
Re: The other dual diagnosis
I would like to respond to “The other dual diagnosis: Developmental disability and mental health disorders” (BCMJ 2008;50[6]:312-324).
I am a social worker and a parent of a son with Down syndrome, autism, and now type 1 diabetes.
I would just like to add that when my son (who is pretty much nonverbal) was beginning to act differently and behaviors were escalating, his local GP (whom I hold in high regard) was looking for depression, thyroid issues, behaviors, and so on (which I did not think was the issue), but not until I began doing some research did I figure out that his symptoms were classic for diabetes (which is not in my family history). I had him tested, and he is type 1.
He is now on insulin, and life is much better!
—Kathleen Makuch, BSW
Dawson Creek
