If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, you know how vital support and information can be. Thankfully, there’s a vast network of non-profit organizations dedicated to helping families like yours. These organizations offer invaluable resources, from educational materials and advocacy to community support and financial aid.
However, it’s essential to remember that while their intentions are often good, non-profits, like any organization, have agendas. So, while they are often amazing resources, it is important to know how to verify the information they provide.
The Value of Non-Profits in Early Intervention
Let’s start with the positive. Non-profits play a crucial role in:
- Providing specialized information on specific conditions and disabilities.
- Offering support groups and community connections.
- Advocating for policy changes and improved services.
- Funding research and developing innovative programs.
These organizations often have deep expertise and a passion for their cause, making them a go-to resource for many families.
Understanding Agenda
It’s important to recognize that non-profits operate with specific missions and goals. This can influence the information they present. For example:
- Some organizations may focus heavily on a particular treatment or therapy.
- Others may prioritize advocacy for specific policies.
- Funding sources can sometimes influence the information provided.
This doesn’t mean their information is inherently bad, but it does mean you should approach it with a critical eye. Always consider the organization’s mission and potential biases.
- Reputable non-profits disclose their funding sources.
- Be aware of organizations heavily funded by pharmaceutical companies or other entities with potential conflicts of interest.
Check out their reputation
Websites like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and CharityWatch provide ratings and evaluations of non-profit organizations. These resources can help you assess a non-profit’s financial health, transparency, and accountability.
Evaluating Trustworthiness of Information
So, how do you determine if a non-profit is a reliable source? Ask yourself “Where do they get their information?” and then apply the CRAAP test.
Consider the CRAAP Test:
“The CRAAP Test is an evaluation method that was designed by librarian Sarah Blakeslee at the Meriam Library California State Universiy, Chico. CRAAP stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose. This provides you with a method and list of questions to evaluate the nature and value of the information that you find.”
University of Chicago Library, Evaluating Resources and Misinformation, “The CRAAP Test”
Currency: Consider when the information was produced.
Relevance: Consider how the information is related to your topic.
Authority: Consider who wrote it and what their credentials are.
Accuracy: Consider the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content.
Purpose: What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
The Health on the Net Code of Conduct
In the past one way to check if a health website was trustworthy was to looked for the HONcode Seal which was given to sites that followed eight strict rules for sharing health information ethically. (National Academy of Medicine)
What Does This Mean for You?
The HONcode seal is no longer being used. The good news is that those eight rules are still a good standard for health information. The bad news is you now have to do the checking yourself.
Your 8-Point Checklist
When visiting a nonprofit health website, dig around and confirm these eight points before you trust the information:
- Who is the expert?
- Does the article name the person who wrote it? Do they list the author’s degrees or medical credentials?
- Is it just advice?
- Does the site clearly say that its information is not a replacement for visiting your actual doctor?
- Is my data private?
- Can you easily find the Privacy Policy, and is it clear about how they handle your personal information?
- Where did they get this?
- Do they list the scientific sources or studies they used? Is there a date showing when the article was last updated?
- How are they funded?
- Can you find a section that clearly lists where all their money comes from (donations, government grants, or company sponsors)?
- Can I contact them?
- Is it easy to find a phone number, email, or mailing address if you have a question or need support?
- Are their claims proven?
- If they recommend a treatment or product, do they show solid proof or scientific studies to back up that claim?
- Is the advertising clear?
- If they have ads, is it obvious what is an ad and what is real health content?
Here are just a few organizations to get your started.
To get you started, here are 7 Special Needs Organizations Changing the World, according to Charity Charge.
- Easterseals
- Allies Inc.
- Legacy of Hope
- Ventures Travel
- The Arc Alliance
- Advancing Opportunities
- Autism Speaks
How Early Intervention Providers Can Help Parents
- Do your own research and teach families as well:
- Apply the CRAPP Test and the 8 HONcode questions
- Don’t rely on a single source of information.
- Talk to your child’s healthcare providers and therapists.
- Connect with other families and support groups.
- Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, seek a second opinion.
Non-profit organizations can be a source of support for families with special needs. Teach families how to evaluate a site’s trustworthiness so that they can make informed decisions. Remind parents that they are their child’s best advocate, and critical thinking is their most powerful tool.
What Do You Think?
What non-profit organizations have you found helpful?
Do you have any tips for evaluating non-profit resources?
Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
References
University of Chicago Library (2025, June 30). Evaluating resources and misinformation. https://guides.lib.uchicago.edu/c.php?g=1241077&p=9082320
Candid. (2024). GuideStar. https://www.guidestar.org/
Charity Navigator. (2025). https://www.charitynavigator.org/about-us/
CharityWatch. (2025). About Us. https://www.charitywatch.org/
National Academy of Medicine. (n.d.). Identifying credible sources of health information in social media: Principles and attributes. Retrieved November 28, 2025, from https://nam.edu/perspectives/identifying-credible-sources-of-health-information-in-social-media-principles-and-attributes/
Charity Charge Team. (n.d.). 7 Special Needs Organizations Changing the World. Charity Charge. Retrieved November 28, 2025, from https://www.charitycharge.com/nonprofit-resources/special-needs-organizations/
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