http://www.usa today.com/news/health/2007-10-16-autism_N.htm?csp=1
Autism videos can assist parents in identifying disorder
It's yet another AS press release in the form of a news article.
I can see nothing wrong with a video that helps parents identify early signs of autism. It could actually be a very useful tool. So I went and watched it -- or them, actually. The treatments and outcomes videos are not yet posted, which is where I believe there is the greatest likelihood of controversial material. The videos showing children bing evaluated on different tasks were fine, imo. The only line from the overview section that I think some one at this board might find annoying is the one where the narrator says that autism is "a problem" more frequent than "diabetes, cancer, and Down's Syndrome." Definitely worth returning to see how the two final sections play out.
No, this is not on.
This will lead to an increase in self DX's or DX's by people who really don't know what they're doing. Diagnosis of any ASD MUST be done by a professional - and by no one else. After all, they are trained to not only recognise the signs, but also interpret them in the right way and make all the complicated medical decisions on diagnosis that parents can not do.
Yes I agree Griz. Being a parent of an autistic child I know how helpful it is to be able to have any knowledge or understanding of your child and anything that will help in putting you as parent in the best position to seek out the best support and assistance.
I think it is commendable.
Better to take your child into a professional with a list on the traits, sensitivities, concerns and so forth than saying "I dunno Doc the kid is weird. Don't know what to do with him. Don't understand or relate to him. Can you wave your diagnosis wand and diagnose him on the limited contact you have had with him and at the same time make me an effective parent". LOL
I don't think caring parents would do this anyhow.