Misinformation

One of the most annoying things about being a caregiver is the amount of information and advice that our support systems give to us. Every time there is a new trend I get bombarded with misinformation and bad advice from teachers, doctors, family members, friends, and even strangers. Immunizations, fish oil, and gluten free claims are the more common ones I come across. Social media's role also wreaks havoc. It is so easy to spread misinformation, and the audience seems endless. The information sources can be less than reputable or even informed and educated. The amount of data, statistics, and information is overwhelming. So how can you tell if a current trend or study is worth taking time out of your day to review?

There is not much help I can offer, but this is what little I can do.

For ADHD My Top 3 online resources are ADDitude, the  LDA of America website, and the CDC ADHD website. For Autism once again the CDC website is in my top 3, the ASA website, and First Signs.

This is a graphic to help distinguish the GOOD from the BAD. I initially found it on Lifehacker.com, which led me to Compoundchem.com.

Scientific studies are published all the time. Some are worth the read, but most are confusing for the general public to understand. I come across an article about once a week. Honestly most of the articles I come across have a lot of speculation and sensationalized headlines. I click to read it, and a few paragraphs in I either lost or disgusted. Even some of the books I have read are questionable. 

Everyone seems to be so concerned with a cure all for Autism. I do not doubt that valuable research is out there. There is bad science, and there is also bad information on good science. That valuable research is essentially translated, construed, transposed, and manipulated. It trickles down the hierarchy, and eventually to the public. It is difficult to decipher  if what we are reading is what initially was concluded. The media manipulates and construes the findings to cater to their own opinions and viewpoints. 

The bottom line is you know your child best. Consider the pros and cons, and side effects (when applicable) if you are trying something new or trendy. Also consider the practicality of the claim. If it seems impossible or unbelievable, it is. 

I know I never feel like I get clear direction or support. The bottom line is I am sick of being told what to do, what not to do, when to do it, then be told it was a bad idea in the first place. The only things I have found successful are behavior interventions, applied behavior analysis, and accepting there is no cure.