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How
can you tell what treatment method is best
for you? Do your homework and don’t
be shy about asking plenty of questions. Autism
Today believes that the Autism Society of America's
Panel of Professional Advisors has done an excellent
job of developing a comprehensive list of questions
that can help you assess theories and practices
prior to beginning any autism treatment. These
ASA Guidelines are designed to protect your child
and your family, so be sure to get your questions
answered before getting started with a treatment.
- Do you adhere to the Priorities of Professional
Conduct promulgated by ASA?
- What is the purpose of this theory/practice?
- What do I have to do to benefit from the
theory/practice, and what are its lasting effects?
- What is the status of this theory/practice
relative to controlled (scientific) investigation,
and is there a reference list of publications?
- How long must my child be involved in this
theory/practice to gain benefit?
- Are there any physical or psychological
harm that might come to my child as a function
of participating in this theory/practice?
- What are the personal costs of time and
money that I will have to endure, and will
I be able to be reimbursed for these expenses?
- How do I know that the costs for the implementation
of this theory/practice are fair and reasonable?
- Are the theoreticians or practitioners competently
and appropriately trained and prepared to implement
the provisions of the theory or practice, and
how is this competence assured?
- What steps will be taken to protect my privacy?
- Are there any legal actions, current or
past, against promoters, consumers, or practitioners
of the theory/practice?
- How will the effects of this theory/practice
be evaluated for my child?
- By choosing this theory/practice, what alternatives
(proven/unproven) are not being pursued?
- Does this approach exclude other alternative
approaches and does it mesh with my child's
total program?
- Which individuals with autism has this theory
positively benefited, and under what conditions?
You may
also want to refer to the list
of questions compiled
by The National Institute of Mental Health
and review other educational resources available
through Autism Today, including:
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