| Support Real Science in Autism Treatment! |
Maithri Sivaraman, MSc, BCBA, International Dissemination Coordinator Association for Science in Autism Treatment We live in an increasingly evolving digital age. Consumers encounter information from a multitude of sources including traditional media sites, social media, and email. Much of this information is valuable; however not all of them are sources of information as much as…
Conducted by David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D Executive Director, Association for Science in Autism Treatment I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Catherine Maurice, a founding member of ASAT and current member of our Professional Advisory Board. Dr. Maurice has been a long-term supporter and integral part of ASAT’s success. We are deeply grateful for her…
By Daniel W. Mruzek, PhD, BCBA-D University of Rochester Marketers of purported interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), whether they are pills, devices, or exercises, claim that their products are effective. As proof, they point to any number of measures: some valid, some questionable, and some potentially misleading. Given that many of these “treatments” may…
Written by Bob LaRue, PhD, BCBA-D Associate Director of Behavioral and Research Services Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, Rutgers University & Amy Hansford, BA Autism is a complex disorder characterized by significant deficits in social reciprocity and communicative ability as well as the presence of repetitive behavior/restricted interests. Given the heterogeneous nature of autism, many interventions…
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…
My 8-year-old son is currently enrolled in a school-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) program. We are in the process of moving into a new district and are being presented with an array of options. What are the pros and cons of a school-based ABA program versus a center-based ABA program? Mary Jane Weiss, PhD, BCBA…
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…
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…
What are some of the key elements of setting up an evidence-based program? Intervention choices are guided by published research in peer-reviewed journals. Task force findings related to evidence-basedprocedures are also considered. Providers have the proper credentials and experience, as well as a respect for the scientific literature. Those who carry out the actual intervention…