July 28, 2009
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (www.asatonline.org), we are writing to you in connection with your Health Watch story on Rethink Autism that aired on 7-23-09. In particular, we wanted to commend the piece for highlighting that applied behavior analysis (ABA) is considered a “gold standard”… a statement supported by several hundred peer-reviewed studies documenting the success of this approach to learning and endorsement by the Surgeon General and other education officials. Moreover, the journalist nicely depicted teaching as looking like play and fun, which is possible through the appropriate use of positive reinforcement and individualized instruction. The latter are considered important aspects of good teaching within ABA.
Unfortunately, our science and its application to the treatment of children with autism are often inaccurately portrayed in the media. As you might imagine, we were quite pleased with your depiction and coverage of a source of support for families in need.
Sincere regards,
Florence D. DiGennaro Reed, Ph.D., BCBA
Media Review Committee, Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Barbara Jamison
Board Member, Association for Science in Autism Treatment
ASAT Editor’s Note: To learn more about Rethink Autism, please visit www.rethinkautism.com – BJ
Read More at http://www.rethinkautism.com/AboutUs/IntheMediaStory.aspx?ID=298
