ASAT
ASAT Responds to StarTribune's "Autism Foundation's IRS Filings Raise Eyebrows"
Friday, January 27, 2012
Dear Ms. Friedmann:
We would like to commend you for your recent Star Tribune
piece, "Autism foundation's IRS filings raise eyebrows†(July 30, 2011), in
which you exposed the wrongdoings of an organization fundraising in the name of
helping people with autism. In a very straightforward way, you have denounced
the organization's mismanagement of funds and, worse, their false association
and improper use of the names of renowned organizations. You
have furthered your service to consumers by providing essential information
which can protect those interested in contributing financially to worthy
causes, such as those dedicated to individuals with autism, their families, and
the professionals supporting them.
We hope that this important message will reverberate all the
way through April, Autism Awareness month, when the increased attention to
autism will provide much needed awareness about autism and its treatment.
Unfortunately, the heightened attention may also increase ground for
opportunists to prey on prospective donors and consequently detract from their
giving to worthy organizations.
At the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), we
take our work very seriously from
the selection of our Board members, volunteers, and even sponsors. We feel
strongly about transparency regarding how we conduct our mission to disseminate
accurate, scientifically-sound information about autism and its treatment to
parents and professionals.
A recurring goal of our work is to help parents and providers
to be savvy consumers. Your article goes a long way to alert consumers that
this level of diligence must extend to their donation efforts as well.
Thank you again for your important article and for bringing
this travesty to light. It is very much appreciated by those of us out there
who are working hard on behalf of individuals with autism.
Daniela Fazzio, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Board Member, Association for Science in Autism Treatment
David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA-D
President, Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Read More at http://www.startribune.com/.../126457453.html
