Media Watch Letters

ASAT Responds to US News & World Report’s “Complexities of Autism Extend to Its Treatment”

Source   With regard to the article entitled “Complexities of Autism Extend to Its Treatment” (May 27, 2011), we commend Mr. Thompson for highlighting the struggle parents confront when identifying interventions for their children with autism. Mr. Thompson reports on several key considerations central to any discussion regarding autism treatment: 1) early identification and intervention…

ASAT Responds to Salon.com’s “Correcting Our Record”

Source   Dear Mr. Lauerman, I applaud your January 16 correction of Salon’s 2005 article (“Deadly Immunity”) which asserted a connection between the use of thimerosal in vaccines and the rise of autism.  This purported association has now been thoroughly debunked. It is important that the media take responsibility to get the facts straight.  You…

ASAT Responds to Globe and Mail’s “Medical Fraud Revealed in Discredited Vaccine-Autism Study”

Source   Dear Mr. Picard, For consumers without training in research methodology and practices, evaluating scientific evidence related to one’s health can be a daunting task. It is not unreasonable for consumers to assume, however, that the researchers who conduct such research are presenting information that is accurate, objective, and gathered using high levels of…

ASAT Responds to Star-Ledger Article ‘Apple iPad, iPod Touch Might Help People with Autism Take Steps toward Independence’

Source   Dear Mr. Augenstein: Thank you for your story, “Apple iPad, iPod Touch Might Help People with Autism Take Steps toward Independence” (January 3, 2011).  I want to commend you for balancing the potential utility of this technology to promote independence, while exercising caution that it is not a “magic bullet.” Equally important is…

ASAT Responds to Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s ‘Applied Behavior Analysis Is Autism Treatment of Choice”

Source   Hats off to Melody McDonald for her article entitled, “Applied behavior analysis is autism treatment of choice, experts say” (November 27, 2010). Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is used successfully with many groups of people (not just persons with autism).  However, particular ABA-based treatments, including early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) as discussed in Ms.…