Dear Ms. Friedmann:
We would like to commend you for your recent Star Tribune piece, “Autism foundation’s IRS filings raise eyebrows†(July 30, 2011), in which you exposed the wrongdoings of an organization fundraising in the name of helping people with autism. In a very straightforward way, you have denounced the organization’s mismanagement of funds and, worse, their false association and improper use of the names of renowned organizations. You have furthered your service to consumers by providing essential information which can protect those interested in contributing financially to worthy causes, such as those dedicated to individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals supporting them.
We hope that this important message will reverberate all the way through April, Autism Awareness month, when the increased attention to autism will provide much needed awareness about autism and its treatment. Unfortunately, the heightened attention may also increase ground for opportunists to prey on prospective donors and consequently detract from their giving to worthy organizations.
At the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), we take our work very seriously from the selection of our Board members, volunteers, and even sponsors. We feel strongly about transparency regarding how we conduct our mission to disseminate accurate, scientifically-sound information about autism and its treatment to parents and professionals.
A recurring goal of our work is to help parents and providers to be savvy consumers. Your article goes a long way to alert consumers that this level of diligence must extend to their donation efforts as well.
Thank you again for your important article and for bringing this travesty to light. It is very much appreciated by those of us out there who are working hard on behalf of individuals with autism.
Daniela Fazzio, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Board Member, Association for Science in Autism Treatment
David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA-D
President, Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Read More at http://www.startribune.com/autism-foundation-s-irs-filings-raise-eyebrows/126457453/
