Please keep in mind -- while there may seem to be a lot of rules, the vast majority of posts never need to be edited or closed. The goal here is to get support for the issues and feelings associated with managing a child with a disability of any kind, and that can easily be done within the bounds of the rules below.
Overall, please practice sensitivity and support in all posts. This is a place where people can find answers or seek help with sensitive situations, and our goal is to make these forums as comfortable as possible.
Don't post your address or phone number. Don't use your last name
Don't post personal contact and/or location information. Don't post information like your phone number or address, for you own safety. You also may not post this type of personal information about another person, whether they are a member here or not. Do not violate another member's privacy by posting personal information about them, or by copying a post they have here and putting it on another site or elsewhere.
No flaming or personal attacks. Respect other members privacy. Be respectful of your fellow members
We do not allow any behavior that is of an attacking and malicious nature to other members. This includes "copying & pasting" a member's post onto another site or to e-mail, with the sole purpose of attacking that person. These forums are like a support group to many, and you wouldn't want what you talk about in the privacy of a support group spread around like gossip. We do not encourage or allow "flaming" or name calling. If you have a very specific personal disagreement with another member, please don't drag all the other members into your argument by posting about it.
No advertising or research (this is to keep researchers & advertisers off the board)
Posting a request for participation in research, or asking for information related to research for a book report, thesis, research study, book, or any other type of solicitation for this type of gathering of information is NOT permitted. There are more appropriate areas of the Website for this (contact the Administrators if you'd like to share a link on the site, or request participation in research). There are no exceptions. If every organization, therapist, or company was allowed to post links or advertisements, this would quickly become an environment not conducive to support.
Don't use excessive slang, foul language or off-color humor
In order to be a community that is sensitive and supportive, we must avoid language that can be considered rude, intolerant, or inappropriate.
Use descriptive Topic Subjects
This will help others find what they want to read, and will help you receive helpful responses to your forum post.
No 'Caps Lock' Posts
Please do not post messages with the subject or post all in capital letters, or your message will be deleted. Words all in capitals are not only annoying but are read 50% slower than normal writing.