New website offers private social network for families and individuals with autism

Cari and Denise DeCandia – have launched a private social network for families and individuals with autism. Cari DeCandia is director of business development for the National Autism Network.

The website offers a secure environment in which parents can share files and information with the professionals who work with their child.

The article on the WRAL website states that the site is a HIPAA-secure social network that provides a private place for people living in the autism community to communicate.

Denise DeCandia has worked in the autism field for 20 years and is the director of the Carolina Center for ABA and Autism Treatment in Cary. Cari’s background is in business and marketing. She also has a brother with Down syndrome.

She told of how launching the website was a perfect opportunity to combine her interest in business with helping people with special needs.

The website was launched a year ago and is the largest online resource for the autism community with a nationwide provider directory, discussion forums, autism news and other resources.

Cari said.

“Making those connections, you can find people that have walked a mile in your shoes,”

The site launched its social network in November.

Parents can now create a profile page and are able to share information with their child’s teachers, therapists and other professionals. They also can set up a profile page for their child.

Parents can connect with other parents, family members and individuals on the spectrum as well as being able to communicate privately with their child’s healthcare providers.

Providers can also create a business profile page in which to build a following.

Cari told of how some parts of the website are free while other sections have a fee, starting at about $9.95 a month to about $150 for a lifetime membership.

She further adds:

“I’ve never enjoyed what I’m doing more than what I’m doing right now,

“I get to create something really cool and, on the other hand, get to help someone. It makes you feel good.”

The original article on the WRAL.com website can be found from here : http://www.wral.com/new-website-offers-private-social-network-for-families-individuals-with-autism/13434593/ 

Source :  Autism Daily News Cast , 17th March 2014