The DS-ASD listserv has been operating since 1997 under the management of Joan Guthrie Medlen. Recently, it has been adopted as an official program of Creating Solutions. The listserv is the first piece of a growing program for Creating Solutions: The Down Syndrome and Autism Internet Information Center.

The ds-autism list is a place for families and professionals to discuss the unique, challenging, humorous, and sometimes tiring aspects of supporting a person who is dually diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism, autistic spectrum disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). After receiving this diagnosis from a qualified professional, it is often difficult for families of children with a dual diagnosis to locate other families with whom they can openly share their concerns and wade through the many strategies for supporting children and adults with Down syndrome and autism. Families of children with this dual diagnosis often do not feel like they "fit" at the local Down syndrome support group, and yet, they don't "fit" at the local autism support group. As a result, it is not uncommon to feel isolated and alone in daily struggles. At the same time, more and more parent groups are seeking ways to provide the support families of children with dual diagnoses need. These are topics we talk about often on the ds-autism listserv.

The ds-autism listserv now has over 600 members, although not everyone participates in the discussion. Every family is looking for a different type of support. Some will prefer to actively discuss issues, while others prefer to sit back and listen. There is no right or wrong way to participate. We encourage discussions that are compassionate and respectful regarding teaching strategies, daily struggles, IEP struggles, and medical information focusing on possible solutions and activities that will encourage our children to be successful.

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