Association for Science in Autism Treatment

The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) is a non-profit autism organization. It was founded in 1998 and is currently based in Hoboken, New Jersey.[1][2] Members of its advisory board include Eric Fombonne and Stephen Barrett,[3] Tristam Smith was one of its board members before his death in August, 2018.[4] A report by the Association for Behavior Analysis International mentioned ASAT's website as a useful resource for parents of children with autism,[5] as does the website of the University of North Texas[6] and that of the University of Michigan Health System.[7]

Association for Science in Autism Treatment
AbbreviationASAT
Motto"We promote safe, effective, science-based treatments for people with autism by disseminating accurate, timely, and scientifically sound information."
Formation1998
FounderCatherine Maurice (co-founder)
Typenot-for-profit organization
PurposeDisseminating information about science-based autism treatment and combatting misinformation
Location
Region served
Global
Membership
Over 12,000 subscribers
Staff
1
Volunteers
50+
Websitewww.asatonline.org

Views

ASAT has warned against chelation therapy as an autism treatment, noting that two children have been reported to have died as a result of this therapy, and concluding that "there is not enough scientific evidence available at this time to advocate a role for chelation of heavy metals in the treatment of autism, and there is potential for adverse side effects."[8] They take a similar viewpoint with regard to the use of secretin.[9] Treatments they consider to be unproven, rather than disproven, include homeopathy[10] and animal therapy.[11] Published research related to the hundreds of autism treatments are provided on ASAT's website.

Criticism

ASAT was criticized in 1999 by Bernard Rimland, who contended that applied behavior analysis is not as effective as ASAT claims and called their position on autism treatments "nonsensical and counterfactual."[12] ASAT responded by saying that, in recent years, the Autism Research Review International, where Rimland had published his article, had displayed "a consistent pattern of premature and uncritical promotion of treatment “breakthroughs” in the absence of credible research support," including facilitated communication.[13] Currently, applied behavior analysis is the treatment that enjoys the most scientific support.[14]

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-10-12. Retrieved 2013-10-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. Maurice, C.; Mannion, K.; Letso, S.; Perry, L. (2001). "Parent voices: Difficulty in accessing behavioral intervention for autism; working toward solutions". Behavioral Interventions. 16 (3): 147. doi:10.1002/bin.89.
  3. "Board of Directors". Asatonline.org. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  4. Bridget A. Taylor Archived 2013-10-22 at the Wayback Machine
  5. "Consumer Guidelines for Identifying, Selecting, and Evaluating Behavior Analysts Working with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders" (PDF). Rci.rutgers.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  6. "Behavior Analysis - College of Health and Public Service". Behv.hps.unt.edu. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  7. "Autism, Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD): Your Child: University of Michigan Health System". Med.umich.edu. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. Herbs and Homeopathic Treatments Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  11. Animal therapy Archived October 25, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  12. "The ABA Controversy" (PDF). Autism.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  13. ASAT Board of Directors (1999). "ASAT Supports Proven Treatments and Informed Choice". ASAT. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  14. "Findings and Conclusions : National Standards Project, Phase 2" (PDF). Autyismdiagnostics.com. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
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