Dear Farhana Chaudhary,
We are writing in response to your recent article “The Doris Duan-Young Autism Center: Changing lives one at a time” in Khaleej Times, UAE. It was heartening to read about the DDY Autism Center, Dubai which utilizes treatment based on the science and principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is considered by the United States Surgeon General to be an evidence-based autism treatment. Although the prevalence of autism in the Middle East is at par with other developed countries of the world, available services in this region are quite scarce as compared to other developed countries. The presence of the DDY Autism Center, a state-of-the-art organization providing scientifically validated autism treatment, is both welcoming and certainly needed. We at the Association of Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) share the same belief that individuals with autism deserve access to science-based treatment and the time, potential, and the overall resources of families of children with autism should not be wasted.
We appreciate the information provided in your article, such as the credentials of staff providing behavioral interventions at the DDY Autism Center, the multidisciplinary approach for the overall betterment of the clients, and the creation of a room from which parents can observe the ABA therapy in practice. All of these are consistent with high quality treatment, and the program leadership should be applauded.
We, however, would like to raise a concern regarding the description of the sensory integration room (Magic Carpet) which included a mention of “(it’s) proving to be a positive form of therapy for certain cases.” We find this statement to be misleading because sensory integration is not yet supported by empirical research as an evidence-based therapy for autism. For more information about the current state of research in autism therapy you can check out ASAT’s Research and Treatment section. Although it is true that many sensory experiences may be perceived as fun and rewarding for learners, as indicated in your article (i.e., the learners with autism would be very motivated by these experiences), we suggest that it be framed as such rather than presented as therapy. The best way to utilize those experiences would specifically be in conducting a preference assessment, an important component of ABA, to help select those sensory experiences that function as reinforcers for that particular learner. More information can be found on Sensory issues in ASD on our website, as well as cautions about the misuse of the word “therapy.”
ASAT has developed a comprehensive webpage for media professionals to help them cover autism stories in media accurately because we believe in the power of media. We also invite your readers to subscribe to our free monthly newsletter, Science in Autism Treatment, to learn more about current research in autism and how research findings are put into practice.
It would be wonderful to see increased media coverage about autism and its treatment in your region. Thank you for sharing an informative autism story with your readers!
Sincerely,
Sunita Chhatwani, MSc, MEd and David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
