We would love to be in your homes every day to better help you when it comes to implementing program with your kids. As an NACD developmentalist and coach, and for you as families, it is so helpful for me to see you in action with your kids. Skype is a great way to be able to see you in action and will at times be the vehicle by which we conduct your evaluation. And it is FREE when calling Skype-to-Skype! Did you know that calling on Skype to landlines is also cheaper than most long distance phone calling plans? Just another tidbit!

To get set up with Skype:

• Make sure you have the right equipment! You need high speed internet, a computer (either Mac or Windows), OR iPad; and you need a webcam. Most current computers come with webcams built in. However if you don't have one, you can buy a webcam for around $20-25 at Walmart or any other 'box' store.
• Go to www.skype.com. Click on 'join Skype' and click on 'create an account.' The username that you assign for yourself will be your 'Skype name' and it will be the name that people use to find you. [FREE Skype calling means you call from your Skype name to another Skype name. So the person that you are calling must be on Skype at the same time you are. You can also instant message them at the same time. If you are calling a phone line from your computer on Skype, it requires Skype credit, which you must pay for.]
• After you create an account, it will ask to download Skype onto your computer. You need to do this in order to use Skype. 
• Once you have downloaded Skype, you can start using it by 'signing in' with your username and password. It will want to do a test on your audio, microphone, and video equipment. I suggest you do this and follow the step-by-step instructions in order to make sure that your audio and webcam are all working appropriately.
• After opening up Skype on your computer, the main screen will show a list of contacts. These are the people that you can "Skype" with (i.e. call). When you are just starting, there will not be anyone listed. Click on 'add contact,' or there is a search engine (with a magnifying glass) where you can type in a Skype name. For example, if you want to Skype with me, you would type in my Skype name, which is sara.erling. I am the only Sara Erling in Ogden, Utah, so you will find me easily. All of us at NACD have a Skype account; so through email we can send you our Skype names. You need to 'send a request' to that person who you wish to add to your list. That person will then 'accept' the request. If I were to send you a request, then when you open up Skype (depending on the version of Skype and what type of computer you have), there will be an alert with my name asking you to be a contact. If it is someone you know, then hit accept. Occasionally you may get someone that you do not know. You can decline those people.
• As you add contacts, they will be listed on your contact list. There will be a green button with a check next to each name. If the green is filled in, that means that they are online. You can click on their name, hit 'call,' and then Skype with that contact. If there is a white 'x' next to their name, that means that they are not online. You can still call them and leave a voicemail or you can instant message them; but they will not receive that until they open up Skype the next time.
• It is not necessary to have video on for every call; but if you do, there is a video button that you can push to make sure that the person you are Skyping sees you. Depending on the connection, sometimes having too many internet windows open can slow down the connection. Simply close those out. 
• Click the red 'hang up' button when you are finished completing a call. 
• If you want to be able to use Skype to call people on their 'land lines' or cell phones, it is possible for a small monthly fee. Go to www.skype.com to order. 

If you want to test the use of Skype on your computer, feel free to work with me. You can email me at sara@nacd.org. Or if you set up Skype, add me to your contact list at sara.erling. I hope this tutorial will help you be more successful in using a wonderful tool to help us connect better!

The very best way to work with your doctor is to educate yourself so that you can ask informed questions. Doctors are usually more at ease answering a question if they feel like the person asking the question has already done some of their homework. This way it is more of a discussion, and your doctor won't feel like they have so much to explain that their answers will be overwhelming. Also if you know what you want to ask you can phrase your question in an "I need your help with this" format. (Dr. Smith, I was reading up on hot compresses and I would like your thoughts about why they are so effective.) Doctors by nature are educators, although they may have lost some of that in the world of health "business."

If you have a good article on something related to your child's condition, make them a copy of it. They may not get around to reading it, but they will appreciate your dedication and good will.

Medical doctors' time is really at a premium in today's rapid paced society. The week or night before your appointment make a list of things you want to ask and take it with you. Tell them you have some questions written down that you would like to discuss with them. 

You are in charge of your child's care. The doctor is your resource person. If there is something that you are not comfortable with, let them know. For example, they may want to order a vaccination or medication that you are uncomfortable with. It is fine to let them know you are uncomfortable with it at that time. Give them your reasons, and make sure you have done some homework. Don't dismiss their thoughts and education, but introduce yours. You might say, "I really am not comfortable with that right now; why don't we wait until our next appointment and reconsider?" If you find your doctor is not willing to work with you, then it is time to find another doctor.

If you are shopping around for a doctor, on your first visit let them know how you feel about certain treatments or medications and any other concerns you have. Ask them if they will be willing to work with you on your child's care. You are the consumer; if you are not satisfied with the answers to your questions or feel that you can't build a rapport with a particular doctor, keep shopping.

If you are working with medication and prescriptions, your pharmacist may be a good partner. Ask for counseling even before you fill a prescription, and if there are issues the pharmacist will often call your doctor on your behalf for clarifications, thoughts, or concerns.