Find Accurate Information

Finding accurate information related to your child’s medical diagnosis can be daunting. The internet is filled with information and resources, but knowing what resources are factual and trustworthy can be difficult. The following resource pages may be helpful as you search for more information about a medical diagnosis.

Validating Information

Anytime you receive new information related to something as important as your child’s health, it is important to pause and consider the source of the information. Ask yourself these questions:

Who published the article? Click away from the story to learn more about the publisher. If you are sent a screenshot or a picture of an article, use a search engine to find the headline and the original piece.
Did you read more than just the headline? Headlines are designed to grab your attention. Be sure to read the whole article to determine if the information may apply to your situation.
Who is the author? Do a quick search on the author. Do they have medical credentials? Have they written other articles on this topic?
Did the author include supporting resources? If the article includes links to other sources, click on those links and read what those sources actually have to say on the topic.
What is the date on the article? If the article is more than a few years old, try to find a newer article that supports the information.
Is it a Joke? Satire and jokes can often be mistaken for real news. Research the site and author to be sure.
Does the article support your own belief or opinion? It always feels good to have someone else back up your personal beliefs, but those beliefs can often blind us to false information. Be sure to fully investigate information, whether or not it supports your opinion.
Do you have doubts? Ask a librarian to help you fact-check the information you have received, or bring the information to your child’s next medical appointment. If your child’s doctor is immediately dismissive of the information, ask them to help you understand why they don’t agree with its validity.