Dear Ms. Dunn and Ms. Weaver,
We are writing in response to your recent article titled, “Brain Scans Detect Signs of Autism in High-Risk Babies Before Age 1.” We would like to commend you for reporting this research and discussing its impact on autism treatment. Additionally, as a science-based organization, we appreciate your commitment to responsible journalism as you conveyed possible limitations of the research, as well as the fact that additional research is needed. A forthright article such as this goes a long way toward helping readers understand the impact of research as it relates to their own circumstances.
While additional research specific to this study may still be warranted, a number of scientific studies have already demonstrated the effectiveness of early intervention on reducing the impact of symptoms that may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As you pointed out, lowering the age of detection and diagnosis of autism can lead to earlier behavioral treatment and intervention, improving the outcomes of children with ASD. We would like to take this opportunity to expand on your article by discussing options for parents who face the challenge of selecting appropriate treatment for their child. While earlier diagnosis may open the door to earlier treatment, not all “treatments” are created equal. If the right treatment is not selected, early diagnosis may be for naught. Parents of children who receive an autism diagnosis have an overwhelming number of interventions from which to choose. Unfortunately, many of these purported interventions do not have adequate research to support their effectiveness. Parents should seek treatments that are backed by data emerging from sound, scientific experimental designs. More information on evaluating research, weighing the evidence behind autism treatments, and the evidence behind currently proposed treatments can be found on our website.
One approach to treating autism that is backed by several hundred sound experimental designs is applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA has the largest evidence base for treatment of ASD, and is endorsed by the United States Surgeon General as a safe and effective treatment for autism. ABA is an evidence-based, data-driven approach that utilizes extensively researched behavioral principles to teach individuals with autism a variety of socially significant skills as well as treat challenging behaviors. Programming is highly individualized based on a person’s specialized needs. Employing the principles of ABA, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) may be specifically implemented for very young children with autism, even before the age of two. The effectiveness of EIBI has been demonstrated through repeated scientific investigation and has produced numerous favorable outcomes including gains in social, communication, academic and adaptive skills. EIBI enjoys considerable scientific support, with additional research warranted to further generalize findings.
At the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), some of our chief goals include educating parents about the importance of selecting appropriate treatments, as well as effectively navigating the complex world of autism research. We want to thank you for discussing the value of early diagnosis in ASD treatment outcomes. As autism is a spectrum disorder, with affected individuals experiencing vastly diverse challenges, a “one-size-fits-all” approach to autism treatment is not recommended. However, any treatment worthy of implementation should unquestionably be backed by scientific research. We encourage parents to seek more information about available treatments and services and advocate for their child to make sure he or she is receiving individualized, scientific evidence-based interventions as early as possible.
Sincerely,
Victor Chin, B.A. and Renee Wozniak, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
