Priorities of Professional Conduct

In order to distinguish a valid search for knowledge, interventions and/or practices from false advertisement and promotion, the Autism Society's Panel of Professional Advisors seeks to support the following priorities:

 

• The generation of promising theories and hypotheses related to the understanding and treatment of autism

 

• The investigation of promising theories through scientific research

 

• The responsibility to identify clearly the investigating phase of such theories and/or interventions

 

• The full and free informed consent of consumers (self, parents, guardians, service providers, and/or advocates) regarding the current status of such theories and/or interventions, including:
  - Potential benefits
  - Potential risks
  - Costs
  - Alternatives
  - Absence of guaranteed results
  - Conflict of interest

Approved July 15, 1993, by the Autism Society Panel of Professional Advisors