[Adopted by the Autism New Jersey Board of Trustees on August 20, 2002; Revised on January 24, 2004]
Autism New Jersey often receives requests to disseminate information regarding theories and practices related to autism. This position statement clarifies our practices for evaluating and disseminating information to our membership, the autism community, and the general public.
Acknowledgement of diversity across treatment approaches.
Autism New Jersey acknowledges the diverse range of treatments for individuals with autism. Requests for information on a wide variety of topics are met with a timely response, written materials, and referrals for additional resources. Autism New Jersey provides information to the community on a consistent basis via newsletters, our website, and the media. While Autism New Jersey does not promote the practices that it does not endorse,* the agency does provide information about such practices upon request.
(Please see Autism New Jersey's Position Statement on Treatment Recommendations for further explanation.)
Endorsement of scientifically validated treatments.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavior Support (PBS) are the only treatments that have been demonstrated to produce both short and long-term skill gains for individuals with autism.* Due to the research support of ABA and PBS, Autism New Jersey advocates for these treatments and provides such information to parents and professionals through presentations, consultations, and statewide advocacy efforts. Should another treatment demonstrate substantial benefit to people with autism through experimental investigation, Autism New Jersey would promptly incorporate it into its clinical services and advocacy efforts.
What can the autism community expect from Autism New Jersey?
Given the continuing advances in basic and applied research related to autism, Autism New Jersey strives to offer timely, consistent, and sound information to the autism community. Autism New Jersey will clearly label empirically validated findings, experimental hypotheses, and
personal opinion. Together, the Autism New Jersey staff, Board of Trustees, and Professional Advisory Board will review and communicate significant developments
related to the cause and treatment of autism.
* Please see Autism New Jersey’s Position Statement on Treatment Recommendations for further explanation.