David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D, Executive Director and Marcia Questel, MS Ed, BCBA, Externship Coordinator
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Did you know that the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is primarily a volunteer-based organization?
First and foremost, since the beginning, ASAT’s mission has been to disseminate evidence-based treatment options (backed by well-conducted, peer-reviewed research) that are safe and effective. We strive to bring a critical eye to new or fad treatments, aiming to prevent the waste of precious time, money, and other resources for the autism community, and review and combat false information about autism and its treatment. The important work that ASAT does to promote science-based treatment for individuals with autism; create accessible, free, and high-quality content; and counter misinformation simply could not happen without our volunteers. Currently, ASAT has dozens of volunteers working diligently to share accurate information about science-based interventions for autism. Volunteers serve on our Board of Directors and Professional Advisory Board, participate in our Media Watch initiative, are involved in our newsletter preparation month after month, and support our social media efforts.
Many of these volunteers are currently, or were previously, participants in ASAT’s Externship Program: a structured, 150-hour, individualized volunteer experience that typically spans 12-18 months. Over the last several years, we have had Externs from all over the United States, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Ireland, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates. Our Externs come from a variety of backgrounds, educational experiences, and disciplines, including both seasoned and young professionals, family members of individuals with autism, and students ranging from high school to post doctorate. During the ongoing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASAT Externship has continued to provide a unique opportunity for participants to obtain a wide array of experiences from their homes on a schedule and pace that fits in ith their professional and family responsibilities.
Early on in their time with us, each of our Externs identifies and works toward three individualized goals to help make the Externship experience as relevant as possible to their interests, needs, and career path. Group supervision via videoconference is scheduled every three weeks and Externs share progress toward individual Externship goals with their Externship cohort at 50-, 100- and 150-hour intervals. As part of this structured experience, Externs engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to, the following:
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- Completing initial training modules that focus on supporting science in social media, proofreading and editing, writing for a consumer audience, authoring letters to the media, reviewing research, disseminating evidence-based information, and discerning organizations that prioritize evidence-based autism treatment from those that do not;
- Proofreading new content for ASAT’s monthly publication, Science in Autism Treatment (SIAT);
- Reviewing and proofreading existing website content;
- Writing at least two letters to the Editor of recently published news stories about autism treatment as part of our Media Watch initiative;
- Promoting US and international dissemination by creating access to and awareness of our free and comprehensive offerings; and
- Joining efforts to garner new subscribers for SIAT.
Additional opportunities available to Externs include, but are not limited to, the following:
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- Writing synopses of published research related to specific autism treatments;
- Creating new content for ASAT’s website including specialized pages for key stakeholder groups such as parents, educators, journalists, university faculty, and medical providers;
- Authoring or co-authoring articles for SIAT (e.g., book reviews, Clinical Corner responses, treatment summaries);
- Participating in a Journal Club and earning CE credits at no cost;
- Participating in non-profit grant research and the preparation and writing of grant proposals;
- Assisting with the creation and implementation of training materials for the next generation of Externs;
- Taking on a leadership role to engage and support our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter);
- Participating in conceptualization and development of ASAT’s print materials (e.g., posters, memes); and
- Translation of our content into other languages.
Interested in learning more?
The ASAT Externship provides experiences that may benefit your knowledge, career and professional developments, and the autism community at large. Over the years, several of our current and/or former Externs have taken the time to provide their feedback on the overall Externship experience:
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- “I joined ASAT as an Extern right as I was beginning a graduate certificate program in applied behavior analysis. The Externship tasks and activities have led me to be a better-rounded and better-informed professional in the fields of special education and autism intervention. I have been able to gain more extensive experience in the areas of social media and writing for professional and lay audiences, areas that I specified an interest in at the outset of my Externship. The wonderful aspect of this Externship Program is that you can really tailor it to fit your interests personally and professionally.” (Alice Bravo, MEd, Charlottesville, Virginia)
- “As the parent of an adult diagnosed with autism, I have learned a great deal from my Externship experience at ASAT. At the beginning, I felt intimidated by the fact that I was the only non-professional among the Externs. However, I was welcomed by an encouraging and understanding group who made me feel an integral part of the team. Not only have I gained new skills, such as conducting interviews and participating in social media projects, I have also become a more confident and effective advocate for my daughter and for other parents in my community. I would strongly encourage other parents to partake of ASAT’s Externship program.” (Franca Pastro, BA, Victoria, BC, Canada)
- “As an aspiring graduate student, the Externship program has given me a tremendous opportunity to grow. I get to be involved in projects that are deeply meaningful and push me out of my comfort zone. Through various writing and dissemination projects, I can feel my impact on the autism community not only within the US but also internationally, especially in developing countries where evidence-based treatments for autism are still uncommon. Moreover, as part of the Extern team, I am given the unique opportunity to be surrounded by professionals in the field that I aspire to be in, who all share the common goal of disseminating science in autism treatments. Throughout the externship, leadership always strives to ensure that my success during and beyond the program is achieved by helping to customize my entire experience so that it lines up well with my personal and professional goals. The work I have been doing at ASAT is my first stepping stone into the field of behavior analysis and definitely an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my career.” (Mi Trinh, BA, Iowa City, IA)
- “The Association for Science in Autism Treatment works diligently to bring science at the forefront of the conversation about autism treatment and working behind the scenes as an Extern to help with this effort has been an amazing experience. It’s so great to work with a team of people who truly dedicate themselves and their time to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with autism.” (Brizida Vinjau, MS, BCBA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
- “The Externship has been an invaluable experience for both my personal and professional development. It has allowed me to connect with an intelligent and motivated group of individuals committed to promoting science in autism treatment. Externs come from diverse backgrounds ranging from high school students to post-doctoral professionals, allowing all participants to take on the roles of both mentor and mentee. In addition, the Externship is a highly individualized experience. Externship coordinators personally work with each participant to select goals that will benefit both the individual and ASAT as an organization. Participants are provided ample support as they work to fulfill their goals, while also being given freedom to progress at their own pace and direct their own activities. I have benefitted immensely from this experience and I hope to stay connected to ASAT after my time as an Extern is complete.” (Adriane Miliotis, MA, BCBA, New York City)
Below are some testimonials from Externs about how to make the most of the experience.
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- “ASAT has always had an individualized goal-oriented approach. In the first few weeks of my Externship, they helped me identify personal and professional goals to advance my existing skill sets, and have helped me reach these goals throughout my Externship. To make the most out of the experience, it is critical to become involved with existing and future projects that will help you meet your individualized goals. ASAT has always supported each Extern in meeting their goals while also benefiting the organization and their audience as a whole.” (Briana Ostrosky, MA, BCBA, Bridgewater, NJ)
- “To make the most out of the Externship, it is helpful to always keep in mind your personal and professional goals; the reason you came to the Externship. ASAT Externs are fortunate to be able to largely blaze their own paths and engage in activities that are meaningful to their personal lives and/or careers. If there is something that interests you or something you would like more experience with, ask! ASAT Externs are a group of innovative, intelligent individuals from all walks of life. Each Extern’s ideas matter, so be sure to share them. Just as ASAT can make a difference in the lives of many, so too can you make a difference at ASAT. Step up, stay engaged, and never forget the lives you can change as an ASAT Extern.” (Renee Wozniak, PhD, BCBA-D, Phoenix, AZ)
- “Starting the Externship, I was both excited and nervous about what it would entail. The entire process has been clearly outlined, with expectations and assignments laid out in a manageable, yet challenging way. The calls are geared to reflect on the groups progress in meeting goals in the past month and allows us the opportunity to ask questions and learn about other experiences. The Externship not only provides the experience of disseminating ASAT’s mission, but really helps you grow professionally, both as an individual and as a part of a larger group. (Karrie Lindeman, EdD, BCBA-D, Long Island, NY)
We are very pleased to share that many of the Externs who graduate our program have continued to remain with us in some formal or informal capacity. In fact, two current members of our Board of Directors were past graduates of our Externship program. Many of our current volunteer Coordinators and Leads had participated in our Externship.
Interested in volunteering with ASAT, but perhaps the Externship program does not sound like the commitment level you are seeking?
We also welcome the time and talent of other volunteers with skills in graphic design, language translation, marketing, database management, online research, Google ads, fundraising, grant writing, website navigation, and social media utilization.
If you would like to support ASAT as a volunteer or Extern, please complete and submit the ASAT Volunteer Application or the ASAT Externship Application to dceliberti@asatonline.org. Please communicate your specific interests, so that your work with ASAT can be a mutually satisfying and meaningful experience. We are always looking for passionate individuals who can help us communicate our information more broadly and make more people aware of our offerings. We hope to hear from you.
Authors’ Note: This article was adapted from one that appeared in the Winter 2022 Issue of Behavioral Health News.
Citation for this article:
Celiberti, D., & Questel, M. (2022). Showcasing the Externship of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment. Science in Autism Treatment, 19(2).
