The Bottom Line
Pros
- Really does show autistic traits in action
- Allows viewers to compare typical kids with autistic children
- Refers to different autistic traits, making them easier to identify
Cons
- Isn't really a glossary (doesn't define terms)
- Somewhat difficult to navigate
- Clips are short
- "Evidence of autism" in clips is confusing
- Content can be misleading
Description
- Video-based site created by Autism Speaks and First Signs
- Includes short video starring Leslie Stahl
- Presents children with and without autistic traits
- Includes parent reflections on autism
Guide Review - Web Review: Autism Speaks Video Glossary
Autism Speaks, First Signs and Florida State University have collaborated to create a "video glossary" on the Autism Speaks website. It includes information about red flags, developmental milestones, screening and diagnosis, and parent reflections.The site is not a true glossary (which would define terms). Instead, it's a set of video clips combined with explanatory text which describes how children in each video have typical or atypical features.
The first short video, an overview, is really a public service piece starring newswoman Leslie Stahl. Succeeding videos are very brief, but well made. At first glance, I was impressed. Indeed, the videos do seem to show how a typical 15-month-old child's behavior might differ from those of an autistic child at the same age. The child with autism doesn't notice the adults, make eye contact, smile or attempt to use language. It was helpful to actually see these issues presented in real-life children.
But then I watched the next clip, which showed a slightly older autistic toddler. This time, the child DID notice the adults; DID make eye contact; DID attempt to use language. But the language was clearly delayed, relative to the child's age (nearly two years old). It seemed that the language delays alone were enough to suggest autism.
Succeeding clips were equally baffling; I found myself wondering whether I could have distinguished most of the autistic children from the typical children without the text explanations.
The problem with this sort of product is that, because it is aimed at parents, it is likely to be as confusing as it is helpful. What does autism really look like? The problem, of course, is that there is no clear simple answer to that question, despite Autism Speaks' attempts to provide clear, simple help.
