Lesbian mom April has just launched Rainbow Spectrum, a site for GLBTQ families to share information about autism spectrum disorders. It’s still in the early stages, but she’s hoping it will grow as word spreads. Here’s what she tells us:
I started Rainbow Spectrum to address a need that our family has, namely to share information and advice concerning autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in a safe environment for GLBTQ parents. I found a few message boards for autism, but we’ve had some less than supportive experiences on other parenting boards before. Frankly, I just don’t have the energy or patience to have to explain/ defend my family while also trying to get constructive information about ASDs and the, at times daily, issues we deal with because of it.
The site has a resource directory for GLBTQ-friendly practitioners (Pediatricians, Dev. Pediatricians, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, etc.) that I will be adding to as people provide information. It will be more robust as people find the site and provide me with info about their practitioners.
Our OT group has graciously offered to provide us with informational content, so the site will have some info from professionals soon. I have added a forum so that people can chat about common problems they are facing in a safe environment (I moderate the list). Any doctors, therapists, etc. who would like to help provide guidance or content can contact me through the site. Don’t be surprised if the site has a few makeovers and changes in the next few months. It may take me awhile to get the site sorted out since I’m new to this whole web site management thing—please bear with me!
You can e-mail April about the site at april@rainbowspectrum.net.