WeeFIM and CRIDI-TEA results in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder at the CRIT Guanajuato

Background: Down syndrome (DS) may coexist with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), creating complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.It is estimated that 16-42% of children with DS meet diagnostic criteria for ASD, compared to a 1.7% prevalence in the general pediatric population.Early ASD detection in this group is essential to initiate timely interventions that promote functional development.This study aimed to describe and analyze the relationship between WeeFIM and CRI-DI-ASD scores in children with a dual diagnosis of DS and ASD treated at CRIT Guanajuato.Methods: An observational, prospective study was conducted on patients with DS registered in the CRIT Guanajuato database.The VEANME screening tool was used to detect potential ASD traits; those exceeding the established cut-off were subsequently assessed with the CRIDI-ASD diagnostic tool.Functional status was evaluated using the WeeFIM scale.Data were compiled in Excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test.Results: Of the 42 children with DS, 22 exceeded the VEANME cut-off and were assessed with CRIDI-ASD, with 90% testing positive, representing 47.6% of the total sample.No statistically significant association was found between VEANME and CRIDI-ASD, likely due to the absence of diagnostic confirmation in those with negative screening.Children with dual diagnoses showed higher dependency in mobility, cognition, and self-care domains.Behavioral improvements over time were also observed.Conclusions: The high prevalence of ASD in children with DS supports systematic screening.Co-occurrence of both conditions significantly impacts functionality, highlighting the need for comprehensive, individualized rehabilitative approaches.