The Bottom Line
This is a terrific idea that's still in its infancy. The concept is simple: when a family is done using an autism-related product, they make it available for free to other families through an online community. Resource groups, service providers, and others can also advertise their services and products. Randy Abrams, creator of the site, makes it clear that this is a "buyer beware" environment.
Pros
- Free autism-related products.
Cons
- Let the buyer beware.
Description
- Site facilitates giving, getting, trading autism products.
- Allows non-profits, companies and therapists to advertise.
- No commerce takes place on the site.
- No guarantees; buyers must make their own deals.
Guide Review - Trade Autism Products at the AutismFreeZone
Randy Abrams is the creator of the AutismFreeZone. Says Randy:- I came up with the concept in the shower one morning about four months ago. I am creative by nature and profession so I am always trying to come up with clever ideas and concepts.
The difference between other clever ideas and this one is that when I talked about www.autismfreezone.com with people, the response was extraordinary. People started layering their ideas to make my concept stronger, people started volunteering to make it happen -- they wanted to promote it. I was and still am completely humbled by this experience.
So, I ran with it.
Of course, as with Craigslist and many other online communities, there's no guarantee that people really are who they claim to be. Who knows, maybe someone out there is posing as the father of a child with autism in order to get a free sensory swing. Says Randy:
- There is a strong warning about meeting locally and in public to make all exchanges. We feel that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is and we've warned as such. We also know from personal experience that gifts to others will make people feel good about themselves, foster further connections within the community so people feel less isolated, and help financially since every dollar counts in this journey.
