I had never been to this web-site and found it very user-friendly, thorough and informative. I thought that a good addition to this site would be a 'misconceptions' section. A misconceptions section could include misconceptions regarding different therapy options, causes of autism or perceived 'cures' of autism, just to mention a few. I am a speech pathologist and spent some time looking through the speech therapy section in particular. Under 'Is it harmful?', there was a sentence stating that no research has found speech therapy to be harmful. An example of a misconception related to speech therapy would be that some people (parents ask this often) think/question rather communication that involves signing, PECS or AAC has a negative impact on learning to speak. The misconceptions section could clarify that other communication means actually are correlated with improvements in speech and do not negatively effect speech development.
As the site creator, I think that is a great idea. I may start by adding it to the wiki. The problem is that the fact sheets are entirely based upon scientific literature and it is a bit harder to fully research and reference a misconception section. I will keep mulling it over, however.
Also, I would reinforce your professional statement with my personal observation. My boy was diagnosed with PWS at birth and we were told to expect great speech delays. We began signing at 6 months. And, by signing, I mean signing. My whole family is now pretty good at American Sign Language. It is a powerful feeling to yell at your kids across the room without anyone knowing about it. :)
Anyway, at 2 1/2, his speech is actually advanced for his age and ahead of his sisters at the same age. And, he now knows a second language (ASL)!
- Lara (PWSMom)