Zachary Houston, MS, BCBA
For two decades we have stood together in support of science. Since our first issue in 1999 we have worked with you to adopt higher standards of accountability for the care, education, and treatment of individuals with autism.
Since ASAT’s inception, our all volunteer board has published 43 newsletters with the latest information for individuals with autism, their families, and the practitioners who support them. Today, we continue this tra-dition with an issue that facilitates conversations between adolescents and providers, explores trigger words plaguing our community, and delves into the extent of the scientific support for Floortime.
Twenty years and dozens of newsletters later, the Science in Autism Treatment Newsletter remains an irre-placeable resource for learning more about the different treatments available for autism. More importantly, as new fad treatments are “discovered” every day, we are reminded that our vigilance cannot waver. With 500 “treatments” marketed to people with autism and their families, we know that our shared efforts are of critical importance. To date, our impacts include:
- 178 Media Watch articles published, holding the media accountable for responsible reporting of autism issues and applauding those that highlight science in their writing.
- 100 countries represented in our subscriber base, ensuring safe, effective, science-based treatments are reaching the far corners of the world.
- Over 12,000 Facebook fans, advocating and engaging around the importance of science in autism.
This year, you will see exciting new initiatives from ASAT and continued progress with our ongoing pro-jects, including a Public Service Announcement on ASAT’s work and resources, a resource booklet for parents of newly diagnosed individuals with autism, and a journalist’s resource booklet. We also continue to expand our reach through the newsletter, social media, and website.
None of this work would be possible without the support of our donors and subscribers. As one subscriber recently commented, “This is the way to improve lives.” Or, as put by another commenter, “A diagnosis of autism comes with so many worries and questions…it’s nice to have a place to go for some science and data based answers.” Our success is your success, and together we will continue to promote safe, effective, science-based treatments for people with autism. Here’s to another 20 years together!
Zachary Houston, MS, BCBA
President, ASAT
