Updated by David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment

The Next Story about Autism TreatmentBoth consumers and providers alike turn to the media for information about autism and its treatment. Some portrayals of autism treatment are balanced, clear, and accurate, whereas others may contain inaccuracies and misinformation. Why is accurate reporting on autism treatment important? To begin, there are currently over 500 different interventions for autism. That’s right! Imagine if consumers had to sift through hundreds of treatments to address a particular medical concern or to help a loved one diagnosed with cancer.

Unfortunately, when treatments that are not evidence-based appear in the news cycle and are put forth as “miracle cures” or “breakthroughs,” it should not be surprising that families may invest tremendous amounts of time and money on ineffective (or potentially harmful) treatments. But this need not be the case. As journalists, you have a platform to help concerned family members and other consumers make the best possible treatment choices for their loved ones.

We sincerely appreciate your efforts to provide timely and accurate reporting on autism and autism interventions. Your work is invaluable to the autism community but only to the extent it put forth accurate reporting. If we could offer suggestions before you write your next story, we would appreciate your consideration of questions such as those posed below. We hope you would agree that journalists have a responsibility to scrutinize sensationalized claims related to a proposed treatment, and to report on those treatments with healthy skepticism and objectivity. Such scrutiny can be accomplished by members of the media asking questions such as:

    1. Who am I interviewing for this story, and what are their qualifications? What do they stand to gain from this interview?
    2. Are my interviewees making claims of effectiveness that are not supported by scientific data? How are those claims justified?
    3. Are there any published research articles documenting the efficacy of the intervention method featured in my article?
      • If so, are the studies carried out only by those featured in my article?
      • If so, are the studies published in per reviewed journals?
      • Can I only find testimonials and hearing promises of research “on the way”?
      • If there is no published research, why not, and how should I pitch my article given the absence of supporting research? Alternatively, should I write this story at all?
    4. What are the benefits touted by those who provide this intervention? What does this look like? How does it improve quality of life for the person with autism? Family?
    5. Is there any evidence of harm associated with this intervention? What are the risks?
    6. How much does the intervention cost? Is the cost reasonable? How is it paid? Who pays for it? Is it covered by insurance?
    7. What kind of education, training, and supervision do treatment providers need to have before implementing the intervention?
      • Do the individuals I am interviewing have this background?
      • If none or little, have I explored the ethics involved and asked if there is adequate protection for consumers receiving this intervention? What is their recourse if something bad happens?
    8. What position statements from respected professional organizations support or do not support this intervention? If there are concerns expressed, what are they?
    9. How does this intervention fit in with other science-based interventions (such as applied behavior analysis)?
    10. Have I consulted with an unbiased entity for their input?
    11. Can I provide readers with related resources and references that are objective, science-based, and minimize risk or harm?
    12. Perhaps the most important question to consider would be just prior to publication. Would my final article encourage false hope or suggest unrealistic benefits?

We hope you found these questions useful. If you are interested in other questions to be considered, please review the considerations and questions highlighted in the appendices of this article. We also invite you to peruse the many ASAT articles and resources linked below.

Citation for this article:

Celiberti, D. (2023). Some questions to ask before writing the next story about autism treatment (updated). Science in Autism Treatment, 20(03).

Original Citation for this article:

Top 10 questions a journalist should ask before they write the next autism story. (2011). Science in Autism Treatment, 8(1), 14.

ASAT Resources for Journalists

ASAT Resources Pitched to Consumers (Family Providers, Treatment Providers)

Other Relevant ASAT Articles

Print Friendly, PDF & Email