About Search & Respond.

Search and Respond is an opportunity for our readers to exchange information about their practical experiences in meeting the everyday challenges of life with a child or adolescent who has a disability. In this column, "S" represents Search letters and "R" represents Respond letters received about a previously printed Search. "Instant S&R" is a new feature which represents e-correspondence we have downloaded from our web site. All Responds are forwarded to the writers of the original Searches; some are published. Published letters may be edited for purposes of space and clarity. We also expect parents to consult appropriate professionals.

When sending correspondence, please indicate whether it is a Search or a Respond. For Responds, be sure to note in which issue the original Search letter appeared. Please remember to include a phone number on all correspondence, in the event that more information is required. Write to: EP Magazines, Attn.: Search/Respond, 65 East Route 4, River Edge, NJ 07661; Fax to: [phone]; e-mail to [e-mail]; or visit Search & Respond on our web site: http://www.eparent.com.

For information about specific disabilities, contact: the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), 100 Rt. 37, PO Box 8923, New Fairfield, CT 06812; [phone]; [phone]; Web site: http://www.rarediseases.org. Also, see the "National Resources for Specific Disabilities" directory in Exceptional Parent's 2002 Resource Guide (January 2002, starting on page 22).

Each month, Chris Feudtner; MD, PhD, reviews Search & Respond for accuracy and completeness. Dr. Feudtner is a pediatrician at the Pediatric Care Center of the University of Washington in Seattle. Look for Dr. Feudtner's comments on certain Search & Respond letters.