Do you believe in science-based autism treatment? So do we. Join us and help keep science in the forefront.

By
Alice Bravo
Briana Tingler
Cathy Curcio
Past and Current ASAT Externship Co-Coordinators

Did you know that the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is primarily a volunteer-based organization?

The important work that ASAT does to promote science-based treatment for individuals with autism could not happen without our volunteers. Currently, ASAT has more than 60 volunteers working diligently to disseminate accurate information about science-based interventions for autism. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, including seasoned and young professionals, family members of individuals with autism, and students ranging from high school to graduate-level. We have international involvement of volunteers from all over the United States, Canada, India, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Many of these volunteers are currently, or were previously, participants in ASAT’s Externship Program, a structured, 150-hour experience that typically spans 12-15 months. Externs engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to:

  • Participating in teleconference calls; every third Tuesday evening (from 9:00-10:00 pm EST);
  • Completing initial training modules on participation in social media, reviewing research, and international dissemination;
  • Proofreading content for ASAT’s newsletter, Science in Autism Treatment (SIAT);
  • Reviewing and proofreading existing website content;
  • Writing two Media Watch letters for our Media Watch initiative;
  • Engaging in our social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter);
  • Promoting US and international dissemination by creating awareness among other organizations regarding our offerings;
  • Soliciting subscribers for SIAT;
  • Supporting ASAT’s national and local fundraising activities; and
  • Sharing progress toward individual externship goals with externship cohort at the 50-, 100- and 150-hour marks.

Additional opportunities available to externs include, but are not limited to:

  • Writing summaries of published research related to autism treatments;
  • Participating in grant research and the writing of grant proposals;
  • Writing new content for ASAT’s website;
  • Writing for SIAT;
  • Reviewing biomedical advances;
  • Participating in conceptualization and development of ASAT’s marketing materials (e.g., posters); and
  • Participating in the creation, piloting, and revision of extern training modules.

Interested in volunteering with ASAT, but perhaps the externship program does not sound like the commitment level you are seeking? We are also looking for volunteers to support our ongoing efforts. Opportunities for volunteers include, but are not limited to:

  • Promoting our website and SIAT;
  • Writing summaries of published research related to autism treatment;
  • Monitoring and/or responding to misinformation from the media and promoting accurate information through our Media Watch initiative;
  • Reviewing and improving our website content;
  • Monitoring website navigation;
  • Compiling and updating links and resources for visitors to our website;
  • Creating databases and conducting internet research; and
  • Participating in and assisting with fundraising activities.

If you would like to join ASAT as a volunteer or extern, please complete and submit the ASAT Volunteer Application or the ASAT Externship Application to dceliberti@asatonline.org. It is always important for potential volunteers to communicate their specific interests, so that their work with ASAT can be a mutually satisfying and meaningful experience. We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our team!

Here is what externs are saying about our program:

“Joining ASAT’s externship program has given me the opportunity to disseminate science-based treatment for autism, work with wonderful professionals in the field, and build my professional experience. Being a part of a team that cares deeply enough to spend their free time advocating for individuals with autism has been empowering, and I’ve learned so many new skills that I’ll be able to use going forward in my career.”

~ Allison Parker (Summit, NJ)

“Joining ASAT has been an amazing experience for me. Having a brother with autism has made me want to reach out into the community and help others learn about authentic, science-based treatments for autism. ASAT has enabled me to do just that! I am currently learning about international dissemination of evidence based practices regarding autism treatments, and am very excited about this. Through graphic designs that I have helped create for posters, flyers, and even bookmarks, I have been able to reach out to others. Although I am only in high school, ASAT welcomed me with open arms. The members of this group are very knowledgeable, passionate, and energetic, and are very inspiring models for me. I thank everyone, especially Dr. Celiberti, for allowing me to participate as an active member of this awesome group.”

~ Alexandra Penzi (Manhasset, NY)

“Working with ASAT has been a great experience. I’ve had the opportunity to use my strengths and build upon them by writing in the newsletter, learning about the grant application process, and collaborating with other team members. Most of all, my experience has enhanced my skepticism and ability to look for the facts.”

~ Alice Walkup (Los Angeles, California)

Print Friendly, PDF & Email