Dear Mr. Knopf,
We are writing in response to your article, “‘Unbelievable’: The therapy parents claim is transforming the lives of children with autism” and acknowledge your efforts in making applied behavior analysis (ABA) more internationally recognized. As mentioned in your article, applied behavior analysis is not only changing the lives of children with autism, but the clinic itself is serving as an exceptional resource for parents that are seeking help. By having the Aspire clinic educate the Australian community about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its treatment, you are potentially aiding in the minimization of stereotypes and misconceptions. You are also allowing ABA to gain a positive reputation. As you mentioned, ABA “enjoys a strong reputation overseas, but is yet to be widely adopted [in Australia].” Success stories such as that of the Cazalieris twins serve to show just how much of an impact the clinic is making on the lives of these children, one therapy session at a time. We congratulate you on your work and thank you for spreading awareness of the effective science-based treatment that is ABA.
In your article you mention that ABA covers a range of skill areas whereas other therapies such as speech or occupational therapy concentrate more on a specific skill set. Applied behavior analysis can certainly be used to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s different skill areas, and related treatment strategies can transform lives in positive ways as evidenced by decades of research published in peer-reviewed journals. However, the use of applied behavior analysis and parent awareness of ABA therapy does not inevitably ensure a life free of challenges for individuals with ASD. It also does not necessarily mean that those receiving ABA therapy will be completely self-sufficient and able to live entirely independent lives.
With this in mind, we hope readers will realize that the statement, “The more families who know about these services, the less I will have to see adults [with ASD] who can’t use the toilet, or schools in Canberra that have to lock up kids because teachers find it difficult to teach them,” made by Ms. Verstappen (behavior analyst and Clinical Director of Aspire), is not an entirely factual statement. Although it is true that informing people about ABA services may be positive and helpful, there is no scientific evidence to support the specific correlation she makes. There is no certainty that providing people with knowledge of ABA services will decrease the number of individuals with ASD who cannot perform daily functions or the number of instances in which children with ASD are locked up in schools and mistreated, though of course, we would hope that to be the case. Applied behavior analysis has been effectively used to treat severely maladaptive behaviors time and time again.
Thank you again for shedding light on ABA’s effectiveness, which has the potential to benefit the lives of individuals with ASD and their families, as well as the Australian community at large. We also thank you for including information regarding the many fallacious myths about applied behavior analysis that still exist. The inclusion of these myths goes to show your dedication to real science versus popular mistaken beliefs. ASAT would like to wish you continued success in enriching the lives of individuals with autism and contributing to the field of science-based treatments.
Sincerely,
Melina Morel and Renee Wozniak, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
