thoughts?

Not sure exactly what you mean by "treated better"...whether you mean generally or in a clinical/therapeutic sense. First thing to know is that Down syndrome is not a disease and that it is generally detected prior to or at birth, whereas Autism generally presents itself later. So in that sense, children with Down syndrome generally start getting treatment at an earlier age.

I know of families with children who have a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism, and generally, Autism supercedes DS as the primary diagnosis.

My son has Down syndrome and my direct experience with Autism is limited, but I will say that any child with a Developmental Delay should be treated with love and patience and understanding. Sadly, Society tends to fear people who are different rather than take time to get to know them as individuals (and not a diagnosis) and embrace them. I would think that because autism presents in many different forms--from complete withdrawal to different kinds of acting out--that different kinds of treatment would ensue.

Plus, Downs kids tend to be sweet and friendly. People have an easier time with that. I think so, my son is in a ECSE class for his speech lessons and unfortunately the autism children get a little more pressure on accident people don't realize they have a special need before speaking and well the teachers at least at my kids school aren't as compassionate towards them. I totally believe this. When a child with Down's has behavior issues, everyone is more patient, and don't look down on the parents, because it's obvious by looking at them that they have a disorder. But, with autism, because there usually aren't phyisical traits, when they throw a tantrum it's automatically assumed they're spoiled brats and 'just need a good spanking'. I know, I used to think the same thing when kids would throw fits. Then,I had Tim, and found out real quick that you just really don't know what's going on with that child or his/her family. I'm not nearly as judgemental now! Good question. Unless you are a parent or an immediate family member to an autistic individual, there is a general ignorance about it (from my dealings with people). This ignorance can cause harm to the person in many ways including bullying and exclusion. Since autistics tend to be different from the "herd", they are bullied for being different, so yes, they are systematically mistreated for being different.