Portal for Parents of Autistic Children - Looking for opinions

[Guest guest]

Hello All,

I'm new to this group as a member, but have read it for years.

I have a child with Autism(as if anyone reads this stuff for fun)

Recently, I went searching for some information on the B12 shots. I

found several sites, probably hundreds, with bits an pieces of

information. With personal blogs being spidered by search engines, the

content is overwhelming. Unfortunately, a lot of it is opinion that is

LOOSELY based on fact.

I also noticed something else. While all the information is out there

about Autism, it's scattered all over the place. I've found some sites

that were close to the mark, but they just didn't have the whole ball

of wax. There is always something missing. Ironic that all the sites

about Autism seem to be " missing pieces " .

So, about 10 days ago I started a project which will probably consume

the next 6 months of my life, to say the least. I am building a portal

for parents of Autistic children. I have already built the site

design, and am now on to the framework for the content.

Right now, the features of the site are to include.....

Discussion Forum

Social Networking such as the ability to build " Friends "

Chat rooms

Private messaging

I'm working on a personal blog feature

Doctor Directory (not a list, an actual directory)

Gluten Free recipes (searchable, with the ability to vote on them)

Financial Aid resources

Behavioral Therapy

Government provider directory (How to get help in your area)

Private firms providing therapy and education

Politicians - Tracking their activity re Autism

Events - Walks, Runs, Bikes, Fundraisers, Demonstrations, etc.

Videos

The actual list is probably longer than that.

What I want to know from you is, what am I missing? What would you

like to see in a portal for parents of Autistic children?

Keep in mind, the goal is to help parents LIVE, instead of suffer with

Autism.

I am keeping the development site off-line, but there is a mailing

list sign-up page there now. This will allow me to announce the launch

when it's finally ready. http://www.autisticliving.com

I have been recruiting expert contributors for the past week, and so

far have 3 definite volunteers. I'm looking for 50. If you're a pro in

the field, let me know. autisticliving@...

Please let me know what your thoughts are. What would you like to see

in a site like this? I have posted this question in several places,

and am taking the feedback very seriously. You may either respond

here, or you can contact me via email. The best way to reach me is the

autisticliving@... address, not the address. If possible,

I would appreciate the email. It makes it easier for me to manage the

responses, and turn them into actual " enhancement requests " .

I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank You