Autism In The Media
Media Watch (a subcommittee of Public Relations Committee) has two primary focuses:
Educating the public about effective autism treatment through proactive contact with the media and responding to inaccurate information or proposed treatments described by the media (as it relates to scientific findings about their effectiveness).
We seek to increase awareness of the scientific underpinnings that can lead to real hope for those touched by the disorder. We further join our voice in support of accurate media depictions of empirically–sound interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
ASAT Responds to Discover Magazine Article
Friday, March 06, 2009
March 5, 2009
Dear Editor;
I am writing to you on behalf of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) in response to your March 4th article entitled, “Can a DVD Teach Kids with Autism to Understand Emotions?” by Melissa Lafsky. While I am grateful for the attention paid to autism and the focus on Baron-Cohen’s promising direction in the field, I wanted to draw your attention to a misleading statement which might be either a typographical error or possible confusion of the author. Please review the following quote from the article:
Many parents are focusing on physical methods of treatment, such as medications and special diets, and some are even coughing up thousands—to the point of taking out second mortgages and emptying savings accounts—on often controversial and possibly risky treatments such as applied behavioral analysis, chelation, and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. But a method that has gained significant support from researchers and parents alike is behavioral therapy, or the study and analysis of autistic behavior with an eye toward offsetting key symptoms of the disorder.
The first sentence suggests that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a “controversial” and “possibly risky” treatment. In fact, ABA is the only treatment for autism with empirical support. As a result of overwhelming evidence of its effectiveness, ABA is endorsed by health officials, such as the Surgeon General, as well as education officials, such as the New York State Department of Education.
In contrast to the first sentence, the next sentence describes “behavioral therapy” as a research-based treatment. This is a term that is often used colloquially to describe ABA. While this probably suggests that the first sentence was an error, a mother new to the diagnosis of autism for her child might read this article and conclude that ABA is potentially harmful. This robs the child of her best chances for growth.
To remedy this situation, we respectfully request that you publish a correction clarifying that ABA is a safe and effective treatment for autism spectrum disorders.
If you or the author has further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I’d be happy to speak with you and provide any information that you might need. Also, I encourage you to review our website at www.asatonline.org.
Thank you again for your commitment to raising autism awareness.
Sincerely,
Beth Glasberg, Ph.D., BCBA
Board Member
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
ASAT Responds to CNN Story “Family Transformed After Autism Intervention”
Monday, February 16, 2009
I would like to commend you on the article entitled “Family transformed after autism intervention”. As a board member of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (www.asatonline.org) it is refreshing to read an article about how a scientifically validated intervention has changed the life of a child with autism and HIS or is it HER family . Far too often treatments that lack any scientific support are given extensive attention in the media, leading families to pursue a laundry list of interventions with a lot of promises but very little results.
Mary McDonald, PhD, BCBA
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
ASAT Responds to NY Times story "Trying Anything and Everything for Autism"
Saturday, January 31, 2009
January 31, 2009
Letters to the Editor
New York Times
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Dear Editor:
Jane Brody’s “Trying Anything and Everything for Autism” accurately described behavioral intervention as an effective autism treatment while outlining a family’s struggle with repeated attempts at dangerous and unproven “bio-medical” interventions to address their child’s autism. We commend your mention of effective treatment given the clear health risks involved with using unproven approaches (e.g., one child with autism who underwent chelation has died). There is an urgent need to take an even stronger stand in favor of effective autism intervention. The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (www.asatonline.org) agrees that pursuit of unproven, potentially dangerous “treatments” saps family resources and takes time away from effective interventions which can make a lasting difference.
Sincerely,
Jane Barbin, Ph.D., BCBA
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Parents Press States for Autism Insurance Laws
Friday, December 19, 2008
Response to the article on autism insurance laws.
Letter to the Editor
The article, “Parents Press States for Autism Insurance Laws,” quotes me as saying that the evidence for applied behavior analysis (ABA) after the age of 6 or 7 years is “sparse.” Actually, I said there are many studies showing that ABA is effective for children for autism at all ages. Toddlers and preschoolers benefit the most, and the intensity of ABA intervention should diminish as children progress and enter school. However, studies show that ABA is still valuable for older children and adolescents. For example, it can be used to design specialized classrooms, support inclusion in other educational settings, and address particular areas of need such as social skills. These services are vital to children with autism and their families, and they deserve our support.
Tristram Smith, Ph.D.
ASAT Responds to Recent ABC News Ten Myths About Autism
Thursday, October 23, 2008
ASAT’s response posted to their website:
As Chairperson of the Public Relation Committee for the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, I appreciate efforts to debunk misconceptions about autism. In general, this article corrected many misconceptions related to the condition of autism; however, the information about autism treatment was scant. There is one widespread misconception that was not included in this piece: All autism treatments are equally effective.
Unfortunately, there are dozens of treatments that have never been researched yet their proponents assure families of their effectiveness and in some cases misrepresent the scientific support. Applied behavior analysis is the only treatment that has decades of supporting research published in peer reviewed journals.
I encourage readers to visit two sites for more information: [ http://www.asatonline.org/ ]www.asatonline.org
http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/can-autism-be-cured-or-managed
Mary E McDonald, Ph.D., BCBA
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Response from ABC Editors:
Dear Mary McDonald
Thanks so much for sending us your contribution. We read everything we get from our users, and will pass on this information to our reporters and editors. We hope you'll continue to send along facts and information.
Thanks again --
The Team at ABCNEWS.com
ASAT Responds to NY Times story "Reaching an Autistic Teenager"
Thursday, October 23, 2008
October 23, 2008
Letters to the Editor
The New York Times
620 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Dear Editor,
I am responding to your recent story “Reaching an Autistic Teenager” on October 17, 2008. The information presented in the article is both incomplete and inaccurate in light of published empirical data on autism treatment effectiveness. Several state task forces and the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on autism, unanimously found overwhelming scientific support for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as the most effective intervention for autism, and went so far as to recommend it as a primary treatment modality. These sources and information were omitted from your review of the literature, while D.I.R./Floortime, an approach with quite limited research support, was glorified.
Your article further characterizes ABA as outdated. This is simply not true, as each year hundreds of studies are published in peer reviewed journals supporting the efficacy of ABA to teach a wide variety of skills to children across the autistic spectrum. Many of these studies indicate that ABA can target a wide range of skills essential for building relationships such as initiating joint attention and making conversation. Your readers, particularly those in direct contact with children on the autism spectrum, deserve accurate scientifically informed information that leads to real change and real hope.
Regards,
Jane M. Barbin, PhD, BCBA
Public Relations Committee
www.asatonline.org
Please follow the link below to read another scientific perspective on this story.
http://autisminnb.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-yorktimes-slanted-article-on.html
ASAT Responds to PETA Billboard
Monday, October 13, 2008
December 5, 2008
Ms. Ingrid Newkirk, President
Ms. Tracy Reiman, Executive Vice-President
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
501 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Dear Ms. Newkirk and Ms. Reiman:
Thank you for your response to our letter. We would like the opportunity to provide further information on what has been learned from the scientific study into causes for autism.
While we appreciate your efforts to educate the public, it is important to point out there are no peer-reviewed studies showing that dairy consumption has any role in causing autism. Moreover, removing dairy products from the diet of individuals with autism was found to have no benefit at all in the only peer-reviewed study with an acceptable design, such as a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Elder et al., 2006, JADD).
We suspect that the information you are using is based on pseudoscience, anecdotes and subjective testimonials. However, since you make these claims with such conviction, would you be so kind as to provide us with a list of research - not internet testimonials, not anecdotes, not self published "studies" by those who are trying to sell their treatments and interventions to a vulnerable public - but peer reviewed, credible, professionally vetted research - to support such claims?
The Board of ASAT, along with our Advisory Board, has studied these questions, and taken them very seriously, for years. We hope to persuade you to look closely at the assurance you place in the milk/autism connection and to avoid misleading parents of children with autism.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
September 13, 2008
Ms. Ingrid Newkirk
PETA President
501 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Dear Ms. NewKirk:
We write in response to PETA’s recent installation in Newark, New Jersey, of a billboard connecting the consumption of cow’s milk to autism.
The third, fourth, and fifth prongs of the PETA credo declare that animals are not “ours” to experiment upon, to use for entertainment, or to abuse in any way. Presumably PETA’s mission stems from a belief that humans and animals are members of a continuum of interdependent beings who are all deserving of “ethical” treatment. It would follow, then, that children with autism are also not “ours” — and certainly not PETA’s — to use or abuse in any way.
Yet PETA’s new “Got Autism” billboard blatantly exploits both children with autism and their families in service of PETA’s opposition to the dairy industry. This is reprehensible abuse of the very sort your website and other public activism decries.
Ethical treatment of those affected by autism begins with responsible representation of the science supporting effective treatment. It also entails responsible education of the families who — while stalwart in their hope and love for their children — are vulnerable to junk science and opportunistic misinformation as they confront the challenges of a daunting disorder.
The studies PETA has cherry-picked from among the available science on autism and its treatment do not represent state-of-the-art research. Mass-marketing of such “studies” misrepresents the complexity of autism and undermines critical efforts to advance responsible scientific research into its causes and treatment.
Your billboard may serve scores of abused dairy animals, but it does so, shamelessly, at the expense of children who already face enough challenges.
Children and families with autism surely must deserve the same ethical treatment PETA demands for the animals on whose behalf it advocates. The
undersigned urge PETA to show its commitment to the ethical treatment of children affected by autism by removing the “Got Autism” billboard immediately. Surely PETA can find a way to advocate for its cause without turning children with autism into casualties along the way.
Sincerely,
David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA
Jenna Glennon, MAT, BCBA
Elizabeth Dyer, MC, CC-SLP
Kathryn Dobel, JD
Megan Atthowe, MSN, RN, BCABA
Tamara Bannon, LMSW, BCBA
Jane Barbin, PhD, BCBA
Preeti Chojar, MCA
Marianne Clancy
Joseph Forgione, MBA
Robert LaRue, PhD, BCBA
Sharon Reeve, PhD, BCBA
Tristram Smith, PhD
Bridget Taylor, PsyD, BCBA
Mary Beth Walsh, PhD
Barbara Wells
cc: Mayor Cory A. Booker (Newark, New Jersey)
NIMH Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) 2008 RFI
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 9, 2008
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Office of Autism Research Coordination - NIMH
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8203, MSC 9669
Bethesda, MD 20892-9669
Dear IACC Members,
The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of informing the public about science-based autism treatments and to increase access to effective intervention for those affected by autism spectrum disorders. As such, we are interested in responding to your request on high priority areas and concerns for the autism community.
A central concern for individuals with ASD and their families surrounds identifying and accessing effective education and treatment. The large number of ineffective methods that are publicized is of great concern as it creates confusion for consumers since evidence does not support the vast number of purported claims. This is directly in line with ASAT’s mission, and thus we offer our support and guidance in providing the most up to date information. Multidisciplinary, state task forces (e.g., New York State Department of Health, Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities) who have comprehensively reviewed the autism treatment literature and the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on autism unanimously found overwhelming and clear evidence that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most effective autism intervention, and went so far as to recommend it as a primary treatment modality. Hundreds of research articles in peer-reviewed journals also substantiate the effectiveness of ABA as a treatment for this population. This is important to underscore, since mention of these sources and their findings is often omitted from reports and assertions of effectiveness in autism intervention. While it is true that there exists insufficient or no empirical evidence to support the majority of the treatments put forth to address autism, ABA has a lengthy empirical backing of solid evidence.
Though not an easy or inexpensive approach, and certainly not a cure for autism, ABA deserves better review and accurate representation. Also noteworthy is that ABA has been shown to increase independence, offering a cost savings over a lifetime of care. More effort is required to see ABA better embraced in educational settings and applied to adolescents and adults with ASD. The first step is to provide research-based information that leads to real hope.
Regards,
Mary McDonald, Ph.D., BCBA, Chair
Jane M. Barbin, Ph.D., BCBA
Leesburg Today
Monday, August 11, 2008
ASAT provided the following letter to the Special Advisory Committee of the Virginia Insurance Commission following testimony advocating for passage of Virginia HB 83. This house bill would mandate insurance companies to cover treatment for those diagnosed with ASD.
August 8, 2008
Special Advisory Committee –HB83
c/o Ms. Florence Morris
Sr. Insurance Analyst
Bureau of Insurance
1300 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Dear Special Advisory Committee,
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Virginia and a board member for the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT). ASAT is a nonprofit organization with the mission to inform the public about science-based autism treatments and to increase access to effective intervention for those affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As such we are interested House Bill 83 as it relates to improved access to empirically-supported intervention procedures for individuals with ASD. Thus, we encourage the Special Advisory Committee to issue a strong position of support for requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for effective autism treatments. We commend you for taking on this noteworthy task of providing guidance on this bill.
The interests of HB 83 are directly in line with ASAT’s mission, and thus we offer our support and guidance in providing the most up to date information, inclusive of peer-reviewed journals and findings of multidisciplinary task forces with this same mission. We direct the committee to the numerous state task forces (e.g., New York State Department of Health, Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities) which have comprehensively reviewed the autism treatment literature and the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on autism which unanimously found overwhelming and clear evidence that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most effective autism intervention, and went so far as to recommend it as a primary treatment modality. Hundreds of research articles in peer-reviewed journals also substantiate the effectiveness of ABA as a treatment for this population. It is very important that these sources and their findings be included in your review of the literature, as they relate to significant improvements in behaviors associated with autism. Without increased insurance coverage, individuals with this disorder are less likely to achieve independence, communicate appropriately and make contributions to society. We hope you will also utilize our treatment summary review of existing research which can be found on our website at www.asatonline.org.
Though not an easy or inexpensive approach, and certainly not a cure for autism, ABA has been shown to offer a cost savings over a lifetime of care. I urge you to engage your committee in in-depth, current study of the autism treatment field so that you can provide a position that there are effective interventions for this population and that individuals with ASD should not be excluded from coverage by insurance companies because of their diagnosis. Know that your efforts can alleviate the suffering and outcome of those affected by this growing disorder. The first step is to provide accurate information and require insurance coverage that leads to real hope. If I can be a further reference for your committee, please contact me at (703) 855-4032.
Regards,
Jane M. Barbin, PhD, BCBA
Public Relations Committee
Oregon Health Commission
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
July 17, 2008
David Pass, M.D.
Director, Health Resources Commission
Office for Oregon Health Policy & Research
1225 Ferry Street, SE
Salem, Oregon 97301
Dear Dr. Pass,
The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to inform the public about science-based autism treatments and to increase access to effective intervention for those affected by ASD. As such we are interested in the Health Resources Commission’s efforts in your state to provide a position on effective autism treatments and commend your commission and the Mental Health/ASD subcommittee for taking on this noteworthy task. This is directly in line with our mission, and thus we offer our support and guidance in providing the most up to date information, inclusive of peer-reviewed journals and findings of multidisciplinary task forces with this same mission.
In reviewing the Commission’s draft report on “Effective Autism Treatments for ASD”, we find incomplete and inaccurate information on the current state of our field. State task forces (e.g., New York State Department of Health, Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities) who have comprehensively reviewed the autism treatment literature and the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on autism unanimously found overwhelming and clear evidence that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most effective autism intervention, and went so far as to recommend it as a primary treatment modality. Hundreds of research articles in peer-reviewed journals also substantiate the effectiveness of ABA as a treatment for this population. Mention of these sources and their findings is omitted from your review of the literature. While we agree that there is insufficient or no empirical evidence to support the majority of the treatments you reviewed, we also find your assertion that ABA/EIBI has limited support to be clearly inaccurate.
Though not an easy or inexpensive approach, and certainly not a cure for autism, ABA deserves better review and accurate representation in a document of this scope and significance. Also noteworthy is that ABA has been shown to increase independence, offering a cost savings over a lifetime of care. I urge you to engage your subcommittee, committee and independent
review agency in more in-depth, current study of the autism treatment field so that your document can guide Oregon residents more effectively, with real effort to alleviate the suffering and outcome of those affected by this growing disorder. The first step is to provide accurate information that leads to real hope.
Regards,
Jane M. Barbin, PhD, BCBA
Public Relations Committee
