Welcome

ASAT is a not-for-profit organization of parents and professionals committed to improving the education and care of people with autism.

Since autism was first identified, there has been a long history of failed treatments and fads, levied on vulnerable individuals as well as on their families. Many of these treatments have been too quickly adopted by professionals, too readily sensationalized by the media, and too hastily embraced by consumers well before supporting evidence or reasonable probability existed for their effectiveness or safety.

Our goal is to foster and promote higher standards of accountability and professionalism, in the treatment of autism. We believe that every person with autism has the right to appropriate education and care, and we promote evidence based interventions based on sound scientific research, as the best means of achieving that goal.

Autism in the Media

NEW AAP REPORTS HELP PEDIATRICIANS IDENTIFY AND MANAGE AUTISM EARLIER

Sunday, March 30, 2008

It is encouraging to see the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend early screening for autism in all children, given some may be later diagnosed with the disorder. The science is clear that access to early, intensive, behavioral intervention can lead to improved outcome. We share the AAP's endorsement of screening evaluations prior to age 2 so that effective treatment can begin immediately. This will lead to greater utilization of science-based treatment, namely Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which has received strong empirical support. The warning in regards to special diets and alternative treatments described in the article is critical. It is essential for parents of children newly diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder to be equipped with necessary treatment information. In our opinion, the sooner this can occur, the better.

The Association for Science in Autism Treatment
(www.asatonline.org )

Jane M Barbin, PhD, BCBA
Chair, Public Relations Committee