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HomeLearning DifficultiesFamily SupportSurvival Strategies

Online Parent Groups: Support at Your Fingertips

Page 3 of 3

By Linda Broatch, M.A. , Scott Moore

What are some practical tips for finding an online community to call home?

  • Look for communities that fit your needs: Check websites affiliated with or sponsored by organizations you are familiar with or already trust. Be aware that companies who sell LD-related products or websites that focus on one or limited issues may be slanted to sell products or convince you of a particular way of thinking. Check to see whether the community displays a focus or purpose whose values you agree with.
  • Read the rules: In addition to a stated focus, check to see if the community posts usage agreements (sometimes called “Terms of Service” or “Terms of Use”) or behavior rules. Make sure you are comfortable with the rules, and assume that any practice that is not prohibited could be allowed.
  • Are you allowed to be anonymous? Check for a privacy policy (sometimes called a “privacy statement”) to see if you are comfortable with how your personal information is used and when it might be legally obtained. Also, check to see whether the community requires or just encourages you to use your real name or to publicly offer personal information. Choose the rules that best suit your needs.
  • Give it the intuition test. Many online communities encourage prospective members to "lurk," or enter the community and read messages, before posting. By observing the discussions taking place you can get a feel for the kind of people and topics that make up that community.

Even though there are some risks involved when you step into an online community, the rewards can be significant and lasting. It might take some time, but it’s likely that you’ll “just know" when you’ve found the right group to call your community. That's the time to jump right in.

Example of a group that allows mailing list options: Time Out for Families - Parenting a child with special mental health needs

Example of a message board: AD/HD - Meds and Education

Example of online chat: Net Haven - Scheduled chats of Specific LD Issues

© 2008 GreatSchools Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally created by Schwab Learning, formerly a program of the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation

Linda Broatch has worked for many years in nonprofit organizations that serve the health and education needs of children. She has an M.A. in education, with a focus in child development.

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