This is not aimed at anyone specifically. Just an observation.
The well known abbreviations, such as DH, IDK, ADD or ADHD, I have no problem with, but when someone says "My niece has ABXD, can anyone help" or "my baby will be born with TMTT, do you know of a specialist?" it makes it so hard to answer a question when you have to go and research what the heck they are talking about in the first place. (those examples are made up initials, don't go on a google search!) I have a friend whose baby was born with transposition of the great arteries, otherwise known as TGA, but I would not assume that most people would know what TGA is, and I would spell it out. What I'm asking is that in the future, can people spell out things that are outside of the realm of common knowledge? Just a short sentence?
I've always assumed that those posters were looking for other parents who have experience with whatever disorder they are asking about.
Hmmm...i would have to say it's a good thing. Well - I see the purpose, anyway.
If I need to ask about my kids ABCD, I probably really want answers from other parents with kids with ABCD. Even parent with kids with EFGH might know and be helpful.
I tend to skip those threads because all I could offer is sympathy. And this may be the male response, but I assume those parents are here for answers, not sympathy per se.
Using the acronym helps them focus their question. Just like I can limit mine questions geographically, this might be a way to send up a flare to others who recognize that acronym and would be in the best position to help.
It'd be nice if they explained it all - every time they ask a question - but they're here for themselves, not to satisfy my curiousity.
I don't mean any of this as an admonishment to the parents of the ABCD kids, or to the posters who want to know. I can't imagine how many times they've had to explain, so I give their questions a lot more latitude.
Boy, do I agree with you. The other day a sweet lady used an abbreviation, and someone asked her if her child was on the autism spectrum or had a problem with his heart. (Something like that.) So yes, the abbreviations can be confusing, or people have no idea what they are. Stuff like you are talking about, I have to google.
Dawn
I understand! My baby has PVL, but I don't just assume people know that stands for periventricular leukomalacia. I also don't assume they know what it means!
Could suggest that people do it like the DoD requires ... Spell it out the first time with the acronym in parens and then use the acronym. Just a thought!
I suppose that if someone is looking for help related to a child who suffers from XZY, the people who have knowledge and experience with XYZ will know what it is and be of help. If someone doesn't know what that is, then they probably wouldn't have been much help anyway. There are still a lot of abbreviations used here that I haven't figured out yet...
http://www.internetslang.com/TMTT-meaning-definition.asp
I do not think there is a specialist for TMTT.
I agree. I know what TGA is, but I have a heart baby:)
I read your post on my daily email from mamapedia. The very next post was an example of what you were posting about. A lady looking for a daycare for her child who has been diagnosed with "acronym I haven't heard of" in the area in which she lives. How funny!! I do understand what you mean. Hard to offer help when you have no idea what the person is asking about.
the only one I can help you with is ABDX - Abdominal Pain Diagnostic (DX is usually medical speak for a diagnosis.
I have NO CLUE what TMTT is - when I think of TMTT - I think of Too Much to TEXT. But that's not a medical thing.
