Science, or a bag of tricks?

Autism is neither a new nor a rare diagnosis. There is no cure for Autism. There is no medicine to treat Autism. The diagnosis is not made via a blood test, MRI or brain scan. The diagnosis is purely based on the observation of behavior and the assessment of developmental skills of the child, by a qualified developmental pediatrician.

If you are a caregiver who has recently received a diagnosis of Autism for a loved one, the number of treatment options available out there can be overwhelming. The names are new. The jargon is confusing. Every service provider promises to be the best in their field and it’s all very exhausting! We are bound to be cautious because we know that there are service providers, and then there are service providers!!

How can a parent be sure that this treatment has been researched and studied for its effectiveness, and will not harm their child, leave alone the emotional and financial trauma that it may burden them with? How can a parent filter out professionals following evidence-based practices from those with just a bag of tricks?

Below are some key distinctions between an approach that is scientific in nature versus one that is simply masquerading as one.

• PURPOSE
  A science will focus on describing behaviors, making predictions & replicating outcomes. A pseudoscience has its origin based on a spurious science founded on beliefs, speculations, and untested assumptions
  

• OBJECTIVITY
  Behavior Analytic terms are clearly defined, behavior & outcomes are observable, measurable, and therefore verifiable. A pseudoscience if subjective- terms are vague, based on anecdotal information, reporting behavior is difficult to measure & not verifiable.
  

• OUTCOMES
  Behavior Analysis will focus on developmentally appropriate, functional & socially significant behavior change. A pseudoscience promises grandiose outcomes, with complete and quick recovery advertised, and plays on emotions.
  

• DATA COLLECTION
  Data Collection is an integral component of monitoring progress that helps asses if a treatment is effective or not. A pseudoscience has no reliable data collection procedures or decision making in place.
  

• RESPONSIBILITY
  Behavior Analysis has been evolving based on continuous studies, research and peer reviews. Staff is adequately trained to perform their roles and are bound by an ethical code of conduct. A pseudoscience has disproved or no research, staff is often performing roles outside their expertise and there is no laid-out ethical code of conduct.
  

  References:

  Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)

  National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov)