One of the goals of the Southeast Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs is to provide complete, unbiased and factual information for the purpose of educating and empowering families. We believe that one of several sources of accurate information is the Internet.

While the Internet can be a wonderful resource, we also know that not all Internet websites are a source of true and accurate information. In fact, the Internet may be a source of inaccurate and inappropriate information. The staff of the Southeast Regional Center strongly believes that information from the Internet is not a substitute for physician/family communication.

The websites listed on the following pages and information provided by these sites and their links is for educational purposes only! They should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. For specific advice you should contact your doctor.

To help you evaluate the quality of the information on the Internet, we've provided you with the following guide.

Guide to the Internet: points to consider when visiting a Website :

• Who is the "web master"?
  Is the name of the group who created the site clearly documented? Is the information unbiased? Do the website authors make their email address available for questions or feedback? Do the authors give their credentials and background?
   
• Is the information accurate?
  If possible, information on the site should be supported by clear references to its data source (with working links provided to that source, when available.) Consider whether or not the site is biased in its presentation. Any medical or health related advice should only be given by medically trained and qualified professionals unless a clear statement is made that a piece of advice is from a non-medically qualified individual or organization. In all cases, please remember to discuss any medical advice or information with your child's physician!
   
• Is the information current?
  What is the date when the page was last updated? This should be noted clearly on the website.
   
• Are there advertisers or sponsors?
  If advertising is a source of funding, that should be clearly stated. There should be a clear difference between the advertising materials and the original material created by the website authors.
   
• Are the links appropriate?
  All links from the site should be relevant and appropriate. The links should also be current and not "dead ends".
   
• Does the website require registration?
  If so, the web master should state why the registration is required and how the registration information will be used. Confidentiality of information provided should be respected.
   

Guide to the Internet: points to consider when subscribing to a listserv.

• Listservs (also known as mailing lists) provide a means of sharing information and support with others who have similar interests.
   
• If you "join" a listserv, you will receive email messages from anyone who posts to the entire list. Each listserv has its own instructions for "subscribing" to the list. There is no fee to subscribe to a listserv; this is just a term that means "joining."
   
• Once you have subscribed to a listserv, you can respond or post to the entire list or to just one person on the list. It is recommended that a new member spend a few days reading the posts of others to get a feel for the type of communications that take place (this is called "lurking"). After a few days, a new member may want to post an introductory email to the list, explaining why they joined the list and a little bit about their personal situation if they are comfortable doing so.
   
• Each list has its own set of rules of what is acceptable and what is not. There are some general rules that are referred to as "Netiquette". For a very brief overview of Netiquette, go to: netiquette
   
• Keep in mind that any information that you post to the list can be viewed by any subscriber on the list and often by anyone with internet access. Use your best judgment when sharing personal information about your child or your family.
   
• People on listservs often have helpful suggestions, opinions and insights from their personal experiences. Remember that you and your child's physician are the best team to make treatment decisions. Be certain to discuss any changes you are considering with your physician!