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Dr. Laura
Schlessinger
c/o Premiere Radio Networks
15260 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 500
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Dear Dr.
Schlessinger:
The Association
for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) has reviewed a call from the
mother of an autistic child aired on your July 29, 1999 show. The caller,
Denise, wondered whether to accept an invitation to a restaurant to
celebrate Denise’s father’s birthday. The moral dilemma Denise faced
was that her child with autism does not yet have the skills necessary
to succeed in this setting; indeed, the child is exhibiting some severely
disruptive behavior in the home. Since the autistic child could not
go to the restaurant, Denise’s husband felt he, Denise, and two other
children should uniformly abstain from the event.
You demonstrated
some compassion about the difficulties this family faces in raising
their child with autism. However, your intimations that institutional
placement of this child may offer the family "a life that’s fair to
everyone" suggest that you are not aware of the extraordinary advances
science has made in the treatment of autism over the last 30 years.
Autism treatment has, unfortunately, been dominated by fads, "philosophies"
and miracle cures for decades–some promoted by very charismatic people.
These anti- and pseudoscientific "treatments" predictably produce the
dismal "outcomes" you most likely envisioned when you stated that "some
[autistic] people have serious problems ..…and it can’t be fixed."
But in
fact, data support that with competently-delivered, early, intensive
intervention, a sizeable minority of autistic children are recovering
from autism, using applied behavior analysis (eg Lovaas, 1987; McEachin
& Lovaas, 1993; Perry & DeCarlo, 1995). Of those who do not
recover, over 500 peer-reviewed scientific studies since1971 substantiate
that applied behavior analysis is effective for building skills in individuals
with autism in every domain: social, cognitive, communication,
academic, play/motor and self-care domains, among others (eg Baglio,
et al, 1996; DeMyer, Hingtgen & Jackson, 1981) . When programs were
directed by individuals with advanced training in using applied behavior
analysis, about 90% of children made moderate to large gains. A sizeable
minority achieved normal functioning. Many others were able to function
in typical schools with some special services; and some continued to
require intensive treatment. Applied behavior analysis has also been
scientifically validated as highly effective in reducing problem behaviors
including self-injury, aggression and perseveration, behaviors such
as those Denise described as recently typical of her son.
Implicit
in these findings is the fact that the majority of children with autism
who receive effective treatment can remain in their loving homes.
Effective
treatment not only makes sense for families, it makes sense for taxpayers
who would otherwise fund residential placements. According to a cost/benefit
analysis conducted by Drs. John Jacobson, James Mulick, and Gina Green,
competently-delivered, early, intensive behavioral intervention can
produce estimated savings per child to age 22 of about $200,000; to
age 55, $1 million dollars (Jacobson, Mulick & Green, in
press).
If this
child had leukemia, instead of autism, no one would suggest that the
disruption and intensive treatment requirements imposed by the illness
make it "fair" to seek "alternative solutions so the family can have
a normal life." Denise and her husband are clearly caring parents committed
to seeking the best treatment for their son, and to demanding respect
for this child’s profound worthiness.
ASAT supports
Denise’s courage and determination. As a public figure emphasizing "pro-family"
values, Dr. Schlessinger, you can lead parents of autistic children
to demand scientific accountability and credibility in their treatment
choices. The Association for Science in Autism Treatment is happy to
provide you with resources with which to do this. We urge you to support
efforts to make scientifically validated autism treatment available
to all who need it, because everyone deserves the opportunity to live
a life of dignity and peace.
Sincerely,
Joan
C. Davin
Executive Director
ASAT
Attachment: References and Resources
