Re: Dr. s Response to the Time Article

[Guest guest]

May 12, 2006

To the Editor:

RE: Tale of Two Schools

I was astonished by Wallis' inaccurate portrayal of

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the work of teachers and students at

Alpine Learning Group ( " A Tale of Two Schools, " TIME, May 15, 2006).

Wallis spent hours at Alpine, reviewing the scientific research supporting

ABA and observing our happy, related students engaged in learning

activities guided by our dedicated and enthusiastic staff.

Errors of detail aside, Wallis missed the most salient facts for parents

facing the momentous choices regarding their child's treatment. ABA is the

only intervention for autism supported by peer-reviewed scientific

studies. Properly implemented by well-trained therapists, ABA can help

children with autism learn to talk, to read, to write, to relate to their

peers, and to participate fully and productively in their families and

communities. ABA is a science, and as behavior analysts we are

accountable for every moment we spend with our students. At Alpine,

students' days are filled not only with laughter and fun, but with

meaningful learning opportunities aimed at reaching each student's full

potential.

While it is disappointing that Wallis misapprehended the science of ABA, it

is truly distressing that she misrepresented and undersold the

accomplishments of Alpine's phenomenal students, families, and teachers.

Reducing science to a sound bite is unprofessional, but reducing our

students' courageous work to an inapt cliché is unforgivable.

Sincerely,

Bridget A. , Psy.D., BCBA

Executive Director

Alpine Learning Group

777 Paramus Road

Paramus, NJ 07652-1710

(201) 612-7800 ex 19

btaylor@...