interesting resource - www.forepath.org

[Guest guest]

I just came across some research re: ASD screening (available at

http://cpj.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/46/9/801).

Within the article, [ www.forepath.org ] is mentioned. I'm not sure

if people are aware of this website. I haven't evaluated it too

closely yet, but it seems like a great resource and certainly an

alternative to the long wait lists that currently exist for

diagnostic screenings.

" Parents using the site are often those who have children with an ASD

diagnosis and who seek screening due to concerns about their other

offspring. Forepath.org enables parents to self-administer a

broadband developmentalbehavioral screen and an autism-specific

screen, and receive immediate results including a summary report and

a referral letter to share with health-care and nonmedical

providers. " (Glascoe, Macias, Wegner, & hw, 2007)

EXCERPT from www.forepath.com -

This site is for families who are wondering whether their children

are having difficulties with learning, developing, and behaving. Our

service will help you find out whether your child needs additional

testing, what kind of testing is needed, and what services may be

helpful. You can do this by taking one or more screens (meaning short

tests that sort those who may be having problems from those who

probably don't). The first of these tests is called Parents'

Evaluation of Developmental Status, or PEDS (pronounced 'peeds').

Our screens will help you find out:

Whether your child seems to need additional testing

Whether your child may need specialized teaching services or

therapies

Whether careful observation and watchful waiting would be helpful

Whether you and your child seem to need information about things you

can do at home to help him or her learn or behave

Whether your child seems to be coming along well and simply needs a

once-a-year re-check to view his or her progress

Our screens will also:

Give you an idea of whether your child is doing well for his or her

age

Direct you to programs and resources for helping your child including

those provided without cost under federal law

Link you to quality websites with good information on how to help

your child learn and behave well

Our tests will not be helpful if:

Your child has already had a developmental evaluation or is in the

process of receiving one

If your child is already enrolled in therapy or other special

programs

What else?

For children 18 months through 4 years of age, we will also give you

the M-CHAT, to help confirm the results. This will be offered without

additional expense. The M-CHAT focuses on language, communication,

social skills, and how a child responds to people and the

environment, and screens for the possibility of autism spectrum

disorders.

We will soon be adding additional screens for older children, Please

check back or click on the Feedback Form to your left if you'd like

us to send you a notice.

Screening test results do not give a diagnosis but they can help

direct you to specific resources that seem needed.

Development develops! Developmental problems can too. Check on your

child's development including behavior every 6 months to a year is

recommended.

What does it cost?:

PEDS costs $9.95. After you take PEDS you will be asked for payment

via PayPal before receiving results. In addition, if your child is

between 18 months and 4 years of age, you will be given the M-CHAT

without extra charge.