| Support Real Science in Autism Treatment! |
by Kate Fiske, PhD, BCBA-D Though many parents and professionals recognize the importance of implementing evidence-based practices for children with autism, they may struggle with identifying resources that offer practical strategies for implementing these practices. The National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has compiled a series of briefs on 24 evidence-based…
David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D and Avi Jaiswal, Extern Association for Science in Autism Treatment Feeling Overwhelmed by the Hundreds of Autism Treatment Options? You’re not alone. Many parents and even practitioners often feel this way. With more than 500 different autism treatments available, choosing the right one can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if your…
David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D and Erin Leif, PhD, BCBA-D Association for Science in Autism Treatment ASAT is a science-based organization, and part of our mission is to educate the public about effective autism treatment and to improve the accuracy with which autism and its treatment are portrayed in the media. We do the latter by…
I am a parent who has a home-based ABA program. We are fortunate to hold monthly meetings with all of the providers that work with my child. I am looking for some ideas on how to make the most of these meetings. Any suggestions? Answered by Preeti Chojar ASAT Parent Board Member It is terrific…
Can the principles of applied behavior analysis be used to toilet train a child with an autism spectrum disorder? Answered by Frank Cicero, PhD Director of Psychological Services at Eden II Programs Here is the good news…children with autism can be toilet trained through the exact same methods that are used with typically-developing children. And…
I am a behavior analyst working with an 18-month-old recently diagnosed with autism. Do you have any suggestions on how to work with such a young client? Answered by Peggy Halliday, MEd, BCBA, Virginia Institute of Autism and Tristram Smith, PhD, University of Rochester Medical Center By now most of us have become familiar with…
Why is early detection and treatment important? How can this be accomplished? Answered by Angela Smith, MA, BCBA Early detection of autism is essential in gaining access to treatment at the earliest point possible. With the rise in the incidence of autism, more and more families are faced with the challenge of accessing intervention programs…
I am a parent of an adolescent with autism who is urine trained but continues to have bowel accidents. What treatment strategies can I use to begin bowel training with him? Answered by Frank Cicero, PhD, BCBA-D Director of Psychological Services Eden II Programs Lingering issues with bowel training are common in individuals with autism, even…
How do I explain my decision to use science-based treatments for autism when friends and relatives often insist I try something new? Answered by David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D and Pamela F. Feliciano, PhD Association for Science in Autism Treatment We certainly respect any individual’s right to his or her own opinion, and certainly for parents…
My son, who has been diagnosed with autism, has been struggling with self-injury. His doctor is considering whether medication could help. What can I do to prepare for this conversation? Answered by Megan Atthowe, MSN, RN, BCBA Former ASAT Board Member First, you should know that there is no medication that specifically treats autism. Medications…
First published in 2012, this article was included in our From the Archives series for its continued relevance. It was minimally updated in November 2025. Written by David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D and Denise Lorelli, MS, BCBA Association for Science in Autism Treatment Yes, sadly it could happen. With 500+ purported treatments for autism, there is…