We hope the start of 2013 has been a good one for you and your family. As you can imagine, the Autism Research Institute (ARI) has many plans for 2013; we will be reporting them to you throughout the year. This month we are continuing our
online webinars and kicking off our
Autism Jobs initiative. There is much more to come - stay tuned!
I would also very much like to thank those who donated to ARI during the end-of-the-year campaign. As you know, ARI relies on the
generosity of donors to support our programs and initiatives.
I'd like to recognize our AGI leadership team for its work with the media following the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut last month,
urging careful discussion to avoid misconceptions after a report mentioned the accused assailant may have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. To further help families and educators on their return to school in the New Year, AGI member Judy Endow, MSW team wrote "
Help for Schools: Understanding the ASD" and published it on autism.com in late December.
We are happy to hear that Wendy Fournier, director of the National Autism Association, is feeling much better - Wendy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carnie Wilson, former member of the Wilson Phillips group (and daughter of Beach Boys' singer/songwriter, Brian Wilson) has chosen to raise funds for the Autism Research Institute on the cable show Guy vs Rachel: Celebrity Cook-Off. The competition tests the celebrities to see who has the culinary chops to win the title of champion and guarantees a $50,000 donation to the winner's charity of choice. 
Later this year we are launching a new initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to individuals on the spectrum of all ages. We are building Autism Jobs - a new resource focused on employment and transition - and we need your input. Take our brief survey and tell us what you would like to see. 
