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Media Watch Letters
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…
Source Dear Ms. Lerner: Thank you for your recent article about autism treatment. This topic is an essential one, and as a society we do need to wrestle with important decisions about how to best allocate financial resources, particularly given the tough economic conditions facing our country. Important conversations about autism treatment are sidetracked…
Source Dear Mr. Conrad: We commend you for covering the important topic of autism (“Shelby coach steps down to help son battle autism” February 22, 2011). The number of children affected by this disorder is certainly on the rise and we appreciate your effort to highlight some important issues of autism in the print…
Source Dear Dr. Willis: Thank you sharing your important article, “Science or bunk: How to tell the difference” (Northern Illinois University Today, January 18, 2011). I applaud your insight and believe your thoughts are of particular relevance for individuals with autism and those who care about them. This population is one that is desperate…
Source Dear Ms. Tsouderos: We commend you on your continued campaign to inform the public of the empirical scientific evidence behind baseless claims regarding both the cause of and interventions for autism (“When the Evidence Is Conclusive,” January 30, 2011). It is vitally important that the media take responsibility to get the facts straight…
Source Dear Mr. Lauerman, I applaud your January 16 correction of Salon’s 2005 article (“Deadly Immunityâ€) 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…
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…
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…
Source Dear Ms. Sacks: Thank you for taking the time to help educate people about what it is like to have a child with autism in your article entitled “Swinging the Outcome” (http://www.contracostatimes.com/education/ci_16906297?nclick_check=1). We believe, however, that it is important for parents to be able to make informed decisions about interventions, and not rely…
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.…
Source October 27, 2010 Dear Ms. Shute, Thank you for your recent article in Scientific American: “Desperate for an Autism Cure” (October 2010). As behavior analysts, we have worked in the field of behavioral intervention for over 25 years combined, and have seen firsthand how parents are deceived by dubious “treatments” for autism. There…