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Media Watch Letters
December 15, 2024 Dear Dr. Hartley, We are writing in response to your recent article, “Centering Cultural Sensitivity in Applied Behavior Analysis.” Thank you for your insightful remarks on the vital importance of recognizing and celebrating diversity within the autism community. Your thoughtful analysis not only raises awareness of the need for cultural sensitivity, but…
November 18, 2024 Dear Ms. Oak: Thank you for your article titled “UM-Flint’s Officer Friendly Day promotes positive interactions between autistic people and law enforcement.” We were delighted to read that the University of Michigan-Flint provided a platform for individuals with autism and their families to connect with law enforcement! Although the event has passed,…
November 25, 2024 Dear Ms. Hawkins, I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), we are writing in response to your article, “America’s Most Popular Autism Therapy May Not Work — and May Seriously Harm Patients’ Mental Health.” We appreciate the time and research you…
Dear Ms. Senator, We want to thank you for sharing your personal experiences and helpful advice in your recent article titled My Autistic Son Asked to Call Mom, published by Psychology Today, about your son asking to “call mom” while at his day program. Your perspective of this situation is useful for both parents and…
Dear Nick Johnstone, We recently had the opportunity to read your insightful article, “Autism: Diagnosis Before Kindergarten Has Therapy Benefits,” and wanted to commend you for highlighting the critical importance of early intervention in autism care. Your thorough exploration of the benefits associated with early diagnosis and intervention for both children and their caregivers is…
Dear Skeptical Inquirer, The human costs of pseudoscience are profound, heartbreaking, and far-reaching. Not only do these false and unproven interventions divert individuals from treatments that genuinely help, but they also drain precious resources—time, money, and even hope. And then there are interventions, like Facilitated Communication, that more directly cause harm not just to those…
Dear Ms Adams, Thank you for this fascinating profile of a teenage girl in West Virginia, who was able to graduate from high school after a history of medical and developmental challenges stemming from her premature birth: “Family of Girl with ‘Profound Autism’ Worried She Wouldn’t Get Proper Therapy — Now She’s Graduating High School.”…
Dear Ms. Marshall, Thank you for your recent article discussing the new initiative in Oklahoma to add autism identifiers on state-issued IDs. You are spot on when you indicate that law enforcement officials need tools to identify and communicate with individuals with autism safely and effectively. Given the growing rate of autism in the United…
Dear Mr. DeVencentis, In the spirit of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, we at the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) extend our heartfelt appreciation for bringing Thalia’s inspiring journey to the forefront in your recent article, “Surrounded by Fighters.” This story is a celebration of a family coming together and doing what it…
Dear Ms. Bouranova, Thank you for your article titled Helping Autistic Adults Have Healthy Relationships. The article highlighted the HEARTS course, a creation of Professor Emily Rothman, chair of occupational therapy at the College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences at Sargent College. HEARTS offers online classes to autistic adults, providing them with the tools to…
Dear Mr. Probert, Thank you for your recent article, “How to Choose the Right Type of Autism Therapy for Your Child.” Parents of newly-diagnosed children face a dizzying array of purported treatments, some cleverly and deceptively marketed to target a parent’s genuine and heartfelt desire to get their child the help and support they need.…
