Hi Kelly, our boys are about the same age, so I'll do my best to describe Daniel. I assume from your post that your seeing new behaviors...meaning you are wondering about the regression form of autism? I read the article and was shocked that it can happen as late as 6. With both kids I know..they were between 2-3. The worry never ends....
I do know 2 children personally who have experienced this form. Both of their moms stories are pretty similiar. Both children began to develop typically for a child with Ds....and then suddenly began losing skills. Within a few months this occurred. I personally know both kids, and both of their primary diagnosis is autism...with Ds being second.
So at this point, I'm fairly certain Daniel doesn't have autism. It's hard, cause I've never raised a child with Ds so there is nothing to compare him to except to the families we have met and online. I know he isn't developing like his sister (typical 6 year old).....but I believe is developing like a 3 1/2 year old boy with Ds. So that being said....here's a description of Daniel.
He can talk. He has over 100+ words maybe 200. Maybe 1/2 can be understood by anyone. His articulation isn't very good....leaves off the first sound of words....or has word approximations. Bu for blue...but clearly knows the color blue. He will try and say anything and tries very hard to speak and be understood.
He knows his colors. He can identify red, blue, green and sometimes yellow and orange.
He is interested in TV and has his favorites and will ask to watch them.
He can pretend play...feed a doll or put it to bed. He can participate in group activities like dancing (hokey pokey).
He follows simple instructions....such as put your cup on the table or hand Mommy the remote control. He has very good receptive language. He'll bring you a book when he wants you to read to him.
He goes to school (5) 1/2 days in an integrated preschool. He follows the routine, has friends and fully participates.
However, he has NO idea of safety and to take him to a public place without a stroller is VERY difficult if not impossible. He doesn't understand you have to stay with Mommy and Daddy.
He can play with toys but has a short attention span. You know those toys that pop up...you either press a buttom or twist a knob to make the character pop up? He can do those. He can open close, on off...in and out. But anything too complicated he cannot do yet. Simple matching....like match red with red or dog with dog. He can identify pictures from a book for things that he knows (dog, ball, keys, house etc).
He cannot ask why questions yet or where. Those skills aren't even emerging at this time. He can speak to ask for what he wants or to answer you...but can't initiate something like when we are in the car to ask "Where are we going"...or Why do we have to put our gloves on.
He sucks him thumb fairly routinely at bed time or when he is relaxing or needs comfort.
He has TERRIBLE table manners....still will throw food or tip a dish over. We've tried everything. Fine motor by far is biggest delay...he can use a fork and spoon but prefers his hands or to be fed.
He's ok in social situations...but you can't take your eye off him. For example, my daughters school had a dance last week. In the gym, probably 100 kids and their families with loud music. It took him a little while to warm up to the crowd....but after 10 or so mins he was on the dance floor with the kids. However, at any point...he'd make a run for the door and try to run out OR he'd run toward the snack table to grab a donut. He has NO fear and believes mom and dad will follow him wherever he goes. He's right...but at some point I'm hoping to get him to understand he can't run away.
He's very social and will initiate hugs and kisses. However, one of the strangest habits he has is reaching out and hitting passerbys. If we are in a resturant and he MUST sit in a highchair with NO food within reach or he'll dump over a dish.....he reaches out and swats at people walking by. We can't figure out if he's trying to get their attention or to perhaps give them a high fives....but I've had to apologize to many women who my son has patted on the behind while they walked by him LOL.
We don't really enjoy the experience of going out to eat with him. He's pretty difficult at mealtime. It's almost has if he needs to warm up to the experience of eating...and it's still a struggle at mealtime at our house.
As far as bedtime.....he's a good sleeper. Very rarely wakes at night and still naps fairly regularly for an hour or so.
Another behavior he has is throwing. We live in a raised ranch and have stair leading down to the front door. Daniel enjoys throwing EVERYTHING down the stairs. He's broken quite a few toys doing this. We try and discipline...and hopefully we will get through to him someday. It's hard to walk into my house and get around all the toys in the way.
So that's Daniel in a nutshell. Hope this helps in describing what is happening at our house at this time.
Here's a recent picture