ASAT - Association for Science in Autism Treatment

Happy National Donut Day! OK, bear with us on ......… 🍩

Effective autism treatment—like a good donut—should be precise, perfectly baked, time-tested, and carefully crafted. Not rushed, not just appealing on the outside, and definitely not filled with empty promises.

At ASAT, we advocate for science-backed interventions that lead to meaningful progress—not misleading claims or the sugary fluff of pseudoscience.

This National Donut Day, let’s celebrate informed choices and real solutions. Because when it comes to autism treatment, evidence is an ingredient that truly matters.

Good data leads to good decision. Evidence-based autism treatment is informed by high-quality research, objective data collected to monitor an individual’s progress, and social validity data that reflect the values, preferences, and consent of those receiving services. Together, these sources help guide ethical, individualized, and effective treatment decisions. Learn more at www.astaonline.org

A smile can brighten a day, spark connection, and reflect moments of confidence and understanding.
At the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), we know that those moments often grow from access to reliable, evidence-based information and support. When individuals with autism and their families have the tools they need, it can open doors to progress, empowerment, and yes—even more reasons to smile.
That’s why ASAT is committed to providing trusted, science-based resources completely free of charge. Knowledge should never be locked behind paywalls.
Today, on National Smile Day, we celebrate both the power of a smile and the importance of accessible, accurate information. Explore our free resources, share them with others, and help spread the word: quality autism treatment information should be available to everyone—without cost, without barriers, and without hype.

Upcoming issues of Science in Autism Treatment will include a, Clinical Corner articles on quality of life and pillars of high quality ABA, a book review of “Make It Meaningful”, a few research synopses on early intervention, specialized diets, and gastronomy tube fading, treatment summaries on therapeutic diets, Leucovorin, and Behavior Skills Training, and so much more!

In the meantime, the last issue of Science in Autism Treatment can be found here: https://mailchi.mp/asatonline/science-in-autism-treatment_2026_05

Don’t miss out, subscribe here for free: www.asatonline.org/newsletter/

In the upcoming webinar, explore how effective collaboration across allied disciplines strengthens professional practice in autism intervention and leads to better outcomes for individuals and families. This session will dive into what meaningful collaboration truly looks like, common barriers that can impact teamwork, and the key skills practitioners need for successful team-based intervention. We’ll also discuss practical models for interdisciplinary care, along with strategies for teaching, training, and evaluating collaboration in real-world settings. Click below to learn more and register!

Read more at: https://bds.com/collaboration-skills-understanding-the-relevance-and-building-the-repertoire-webinar

The May 2026 issue of Science in Autism Treatment can be found here: https://mailchi.mp/asatonline/science-in-autism-treatment_2026_05

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up here for free: www.asatonline.org/newsletter/

Today, here in the United States, we honor and remember the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness have helped protect the freedoms we hold dear, and their legacy lives on in the lives they touched and the nation they served.
On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect with gratitude and remembrance. We also extend our appreciation to the families who carry their memory forward each day. Wishing everyone a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day from all of us at ASAT.

Families deserve clear, accurate, and evidence-based information when considering supports and interventions for autistic children.

In our newest media corner article, we highlight important considerations regarding low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for autism, including:
• the currently limited evidence base,
• the lack of established long-term safety data,
• and the importance of distinguishing between experimental and evidence-based interventions.

While emerging therapies can understandably generate hope, it is essential that families are supported to make informed decisions grounded in science, safety, and ethical practice. Premature promotion of unproven approaches risks diverting time, energy, and financial resources away from supports with stronger evidence of effectiveness.

Evidence-informed and person-centred care matters, and so does accessible public education about what we currently know (and don’t yet know) from research.

ASAT Responds to Kaumudi Online News: 'Autism and low-level laser therapy: What is it?' Dear Kaumudi Online News Editorial Team: Thank you for your January 6th article, Autism and low-level laser therapy: What is it? by Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry. This article provides an informative look at low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Informing caregivers and potential clients about treatment option...

We would like to thank Behavior Development Solutions for their sponsorship renewal at the Benefactor level.

Want to pass the BCBA exam the first time? Check out the CBA learning modules at Behavior Development Solutions. BDS boasts a 98.5% pass rate for first time exam takers and a money back guarantee. Module subscriber who fail to pass the exam on the first attempt who have completed all required learning modules sets to criterion (100% correct) within the 6 months preceding your exam may request a full refund. In addition to the most effective BCBA exam prep, BDS offers professional development (CEUs), courses needed to become a supervisor, and RBT training.

For more information about BDS, visit their website www.bds.com, follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/behaviordevelopmentsolutions, and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/behavior-development-solutions/ and signup for their newsletter to receive monthly job openings, CE opportunities, conference/workshop announcements, products/services, and other ABA related content.

Behavior Development Solutions, your tremendous support is deeply appreciated and allows us to keep science at the forefront of every conversation about autism treatment.

BDS Modules | Premier BCBA Exam Prep & Curriculum Supplement From BCBA & RBT Training + Exam Prep to Live Webinars & On-Demand CEUs, BDS has tools for behavior analysts in-training & Board-certified

We would like to thank the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts for their support of ASAT at the Champion level!
The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and advance the science-based practice of applied behavior analysis. There are many benefits to membership in the APBA including monthly Ethics Chats, panel discussion of ethical issues in behavioral analysis, a monthly Journal Club that highlights peer-reviewed journal articles presented by the authors. Attendance and CEUs are free to members. The APBA host at least 10 webinars per year and members receive a 25% discount for all webinars.
APBA hosts several conferences each year. The Leadership Conference is virtual, and recording are available for 6 months. APBA’s Annual Conference is held each spring and is hybrid. Members can purchase on demand talks here.

For more information about the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, visit www.apbahome.net and like on Facebook at www.apbahome.net

Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, thank you for your generous support!

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of becoming an ASAT sponsor, please visit: https://asatonline.org/professional-sponsors/

Association of Professional Behavior Analysts | APBA The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and advance the science-based practice of applied behavior analysis.

We would like to thank Melmark for their sponsorship of ASAT at the Sustaining level! Today we highlight Melmark New England.

In May of 2023, Melmark New England opened a new day school in Stoughton, Massachusetts, which specializes in working with students with autism or neurologically based disorders, intellectual or developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, or who demonstrate challenging behavior that impedes learning and independent functioning. Guided by a leadership team possessing decades of clinical and educational experience, the school is founded on the principles of ABA and offers programs specifically designed to meet the needs of learners. Related service (speech/language, occupational, & physical therapy) are provided along with family training and support.

For more information about Melmark New England, visit https://www.melmark.org/newengland/, like on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MelmarkNewEngland, and follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/melmarknewengland/

Melmark New England, thank you again for your ongoing, generous support.

New England – Melmark Melmark New England programs provide residential, educational, and rehabilitative services for children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities. The individuals we serve are able to participate in community outings....