David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment 

Did you know that the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is primarily a volunteer-based organization?

The important work that ASAT does to promote science-based treatment for individuals with autism could not happen without our volunteers. Currently, ASAT has dozens of volunteers working diligently to share accurate information about science-based interventions for autism. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, including seasoned and young professionals, family members of individuals with autism, and students ranging from high school to doctoral-level.

Many of these volunteers are currently, or were previously, participants in ASAT’s Externship Program, a structured, 150-hour, volunteer experience that typically spans 12-18 months. Over the last several years, we have had externs from all over the United States, Brazil, Canada, India, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

As part of this structured experience, externs engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to the following:

  • Identifying three individualized goals to help make the externship experience as relevant as possible to their interests, needs, and career path
  • Participating in group supervision via teleconference; every third Monday evening (from 9:00-10:00 pm EST)
  • Sharing progress toward individual externship goals with their externship cohort at 50-, 100- and 150-hour intervals
  • Completing seven initial training modules including supporting science in social media, proofreading and editing, writing letters to the media, and reviewing research
  • Proofreading new content for ASAT’s monthly publication, Science in Autism Treatment SIAT
  • Reviewing and proofreading existing website content
  • Writing two Media Watch letters for our Media Watch initiative
  • Promoting US and international dissemination by creating awareness among other organizations regarding our offerings
  • Soliciting subscribers for SIAT
  • Supporting ASAT’s national and local fundraising activities.

Additional opportunities available to externs include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Writing synopses of published research related to specific autism treatments
  • Writing new content for ASAT’s website
  • Authoring or co-authoring articles for SIAT (e.g., book reviews, Clinical Corner responses, treatment summaries)
  • Participating in grant research and the writing of grant proposals
  • Engaging in our social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter)
  • Reviewing biomedical advances
  • Participating in conceptualization and development of ASAT’s marketing materials (e.g., posters, memes)
  • Participating in the creation, piloting, and revision of training materials

Interested?

The ASAT Externship will provide experiences that may benefit your knowledge, career, and the autism community at large. Several of our current and/or former externs have taken the time to provide their input on the Externship experience.

Overall Experience

  • “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, Charlottesvillle, 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)
  • “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)

Making the Most of the Externship

  • “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).

Interested in volunteering with ASAT, but perhaps the externship program does not sound like the commitment level you are seeking? We are also looking for volunteers to support our ongoing efforts. Opportunities for volunteers include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Promoting our website and SIAT
  • Writing summaries of published research related to autism treatment
  • Monitoring and/or responding to misinformation from the media and promoting accurate information through our Media Watch initiative
  • Reviewing and improving our website content
  • Monitoring website navigation
  • Compiling and updating links and resources for visitors to our website
  • Creating databases and conducting internet research
  • Participating in and assisting with fundraising activities

If you would like to join 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 to join our team! We hope to hear from you!

Citation for this article:

Celiberti, D. (2020). Do you stand for science? Stand with us. Science in Autism Treatment, 17(4).

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