Abstract
The World Wide Web is a common method for obtaining information on autism spectrum disorders, however, there are no guidelines
for finding websites with high quality. We conducted two studies examining the characteristics and/or quality of autism websites
in 2009 and 2010. We found websites with a .gov top-level domain had a statistically significant association with high quality
websites and websites offering a product or service and websites promoting a non-evidence-based practice had a statistically
significant association with poor quality websites. Based on our work we concluded that online information should not replace
the information consumers obtain from professionals. Further implications for practice, overview of study limitations and
future directions are provided.
for finding websites with high quality. We conducted two studies examining the characteristics and/or quality of autism websites
in 2009 and 2010. We found websites with a .gov top-level domain had a statistically significant association with high quality
websites and websites offering a product or service and websites promoting a non-evidence-based practice had a statistically
significant association with poor quality websites. Based on our work we concluded that online information should not replace
the information consumers obtain from professionals. Further implications for practice, overview of study limitations and
future directions are provided.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1342-6
- Authors
- Brian Reichow, Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Jason I. Halpern, Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Timothy B. Steinhoff, Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Nicole Letsinger, Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Adam Naples, Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Fred R. Volkmar, Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257