Finding and Using Online Information about ASD: Tips for Families and Professionals

Presented by Rebecca J. McCauley, Ph.D.

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Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition
To work effectively with individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), SLPs and other practitioners need in-depth knowledge on choosing and implementing interventions for communication and social challenges. The second edition of this bestselling textbook gives professionals the foundation they need to evaluate and compare today’s widely used interventions—and determine which ones will promote the best outcomes for the people they serve.

Link to Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Giveaway

We’re giving away 3 FREE copies of Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition!

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Objectives

At the end of our brief time today, audience members should be able to:

• Evaluate websites for their likely accuracy and impartiality about ASD
• Identify reliable online resources families can use or share
• Identify additional sources for SLPs (as well as educators, OTs, PTs, and physicians)

Evaluating Information Sources

Especially Regarding Treatment Websites as Sources of Information

Pros

• Presentation of wide-ranging perspectives
• More easily accessible than traditional resources
• User-friendly writing

Cons

• Overwhelming in number
• Misleading or even untruthful content
• Little or no way to track information over time

Website Content Criteria (CUTER)

• Current: Can you find dates for specific sources of information contained in the website? If you can, are they current?
• Unbiased: Does the website present multiple points of view or identify possible options rather than focus on only a single point of view?
• Trustworthy: Was the website created and is it maintained by an individual or organization that seems likely to have the best interests of the users at heart?
• Evidence-based: If the website claims to be evidence-based, does it provide references to research so that you can review any research claims that are made?
• Reasonable: Does the website discuss shorter- and longer-term risks as well as benefits of products and interventions? Are the described outcomes sensible or practical rather than grandiose?

3 Sources for Families

1. First Words Project

   • Based on research by Woods, Wetherby and colleagues (chapter 11)
   • Includes many videos and downloadable documents about milestones of children’s gestural and verbal communication development and interactions with objects.
   • Appropriate for a range of parents from those who are curious about what to expect to those who are seeking screening for their child.
   • First Words Project
   • Baby Navigator
   • Autism Navigator

2. Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

   • An organization focused on applied research and practical resources for people with ASD, parents, and professionals.
   • Materials designed to facilitate elementary and middle school transitions.
   • Research Autism Resources

3. National Autism Association

   • A parent-run advocacy group responding to the urgent needs of the autism community.
   • Special attention to safety, abuse prevention, and crisis response.
   • NAA Big Red Safety Box
   • Autism Training Resources

3 Sources for SLPs

• ASHA: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Offers evidence-maps related to autism, providing background, clinical roles, assessments, and treatments with limited references.
  • ASHA Website

2 Sources for Educators

• National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations
  • Autism resources for teachers focused on implementing multitiered supports for children from birth to age 5 at risk for developmental disabilities.
  • NEA Website
  • Challenging Behavior CBCS

Being Systematic About Searching

A Possible Search Strategy

1. Be clear about what you are looking for (e.g., sleep and autism, video modeling and autism).
2. Decide how many resources to consider (1 really good source? 3 or 4 for comprehensiveness?).
3. Keep a record of your search terms and results, noting whether the sources meet CUTER criteria (current, unbiased, trustworthy, evidence-based, reasonable).

References

1. DISCERN. Quality criteria for consumer health information. DISCERN website
2. National Institutes of Health. How to evaluate health information on the Internet: Questions and answers. NIH website
3. Odom, S. L., et al. Evidence-based practices in interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth.
4. Rogers, S. J., Dawson, G., & Vismara, L. A. An early start for your young child with autism. Guildford Press.
5. Steinbrenner et al. Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism.

Questions?

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