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December 2013 

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In This Issue
2014 Webinars: Tell Us What You Think
Autism Subtype Survey Continues
Stocking Stuffer Idea: Nutritional Supplement Handbook
Biomarker Study Seeks Participants
The Expanding Mission of ARI
Michigan's Burger School for Students with Autism to be Featured in PBS documentary
Year-End Giving - Keep ARI on Your List
Join Our Mailing List
Free webinar Dec. 11th 
Family-Centered Transition Planning

Young adults with autism spectrum disorders frequently transition from high school to adult life lacking the skills and supports needed to participate as full members of their communities. The resulting social isolation and dependency on families or intensive disability support services has been identified as a serious social problem, compounded by a significant increase in incidence of ASD diagnosis in recent years. Learn about a two-year project underway to demonstrate a family-centered transition planning model for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Join investigators David Hagner, PhD and Alan Kurtz MEd this Wednesday.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

We've reached tens of thousands of viewers with our online education events and webinars in 2013 and look forward to expanding our offerings in the year to come. We'd like your input as we continue to add speakers and topics.


Survey to Identify Autism Subtypes   

Who: Chief Investigator Steve M. Edelson, Ph.D., Executive Director, Autism Research Institute.

 

What: Comprehensive, consent-based online survey. The survey is lengthy and may take up to two hours to complete - you can start the survey and then save it, and return and complete it another time. The survey is online at: www.AutismResearchSurvey.com 

 

Purpose: (1) To corroborate previous research on subtyping autism and (2) to determine, based on parent responses, possible underlying causes and the effectiveness of various interventions in relation to each subtype. 


Compensation: Participants who complete the entire survey will receive a complimentary one-year subscription to ARI's science newsletter, the Autism Research Review International.


Where:
International - this study is open to participants worldwide.

 

Take the Subtype Survey 

Holiday Gift Idea:
Available for shipment worldwide
Nutritional Supplement Use for Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Our Price: $25.00
About the author: Dr. Jon Pangborn, a biochemist and  certified clinical nutritionist (and a longtime friend of ARI), has written a book describing supplements that might be useful for people with ASD--and he has graciously donated proceeds from the book to ARI. READER REVIEWS
research
Keep up with the latest research in print & online 
A cornerstone of our mission at ARI is to stay abreast of the latest scientific research. Keep up-to-date with these two publications: 

Autism Research Review International
The latest findings are gleaned from a computer search of the 25,000 scientific and medical articles published every week.  A one-year subscription is $20 (U.S. funds; $24 outside the U.S.). Each issue is sent via first class mail.
View Archives & Subscribe

Clinical Research in ASD
In collaboration with the Schafer Autism Report, the Autism Research Institute  publishes a free quarterly e-newsletter titled 'Clinical Research in Autism.' It provides online links to up-to-date clinical research related to patient care, and is for pediatricians, nurses and obstetricians.
Read Past Issues & Sign Up


NIH Autism Spectrum Disorder Research:
Imaging & Biomarker Study Seeks Participants Ages 18-45  

Do we see immune differences in the autistic brain? Research seeks to detect and measure an immune target in the brain. Researchers will compare the brain scans of 18- to 45-year-olds with Autism to those without Autism.

There is no cost to participate. Compensation is provided for participation. Transportation may be provided.

 

For information: 

Call: 301-435-8982 (TTY: 1-866-411-1010),

Email:  [email protected]  

Website: Learn More 

 

Please refer to protocol # 11-M-0118

National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services

puzzle pieces
Order a Free Kit Now to Support Research That Makes a Difference 

Perfect fundraiser for the holiday season! Launch your Puzzle Piece campaign today to promote autism awareness in your community & support ARI.  It's so easy: we send you a free kit with everything you need - you simply pass it around the office, take it to local stores, or sell pieces at meetings and events. Learn More 

From the Director

Edelson
I hope everyone is staying warm and dry as well as enjoying the holidays.  December is a month for giving , and we truly hope you will consider contributing to the Autism Research Institute's initiatives and programs.  We have uploaded a list of the many projects and initiatives we have worked on over the past year - see: ARI's 2013 Accomplishments

As you will read, we have achieved a great deal. I would like to thank our staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication this past year. They truly have made a difference within the autism community.

 

As I travel throughout the country visiting research centers and clinics, I realize that most people have heard of ARI, but some people are not aware of the full scope of our work. I recently wrote an article summarizing our work at ARI titled The Expanding Mission of ARI. See below.

 

And finally, if you have not done so, I would appreciate it if you would complete ARI's subtype survey. We have been collecting data since the mid-1960s, and a recent analysis indicates that there may be 10 to 12 subgroups of autism. If this is true, it will help us better understand autism, validate effective interventions for each subtype, and aid in the development of others. Learn more and take the survey 

 

Sending everyone my very best during this holiday season!

 

Stephen Edelson, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Autism Research Institute 

expanding

Expanding ARI'S Mission in 2014 and Beyond 
The Autism Research Institute (ARI) was established in 1967 by autism pioneer and advocate Dr. Bernard Rimland. Dr. Rimland single-handedly destroyed the claim that autism was caused by poor parenting in his 1964 book titled Infantile Autism. He also founded the Autism Society of America and was the head consultant for the movie Rain Man

In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, ARI focused much of its efforts on studying and disseminating information on behavioral therapy (i.e., Applied Behavior Analysis), as well as nutrition and diet.  In the 1990s, ARI expanded its work to include medical and sensory interventions.  Since his passing in 2006, ARI continues to follow Dr. Rimland's vision by maintaining many of his initiatives as well as establishing new ones (for example, a ground-breaking initiative run by and for adults on the spectrum). As you will read, ARI is actively involved in many aspects of autism. READ MORE
 agi course
Online Continuing Education Resumes in January
Starting Monday, January 6, ARI's Autistic Global Initiative and the Houlton Institute will launch the next session of an online course emphasizing foundational knowledge and competencies needed to support adults with autism in daily living settings. Participants will learn to develop an individualized portfolio of evidence-based supports and strategies for people with autism or related disabilities. The course is designed for families, support providers, and anyone in a support role.

The AGI Residential/Daily Living Course will be held exclusively online. The new curriculum, replete with tools you can implement immediately, was developed by the Autistic Global Initiative (AGI), a division of the Autism Research Institute that builds new solutions for the growing number of adults with autism. Funded by a grant from Autism Speaks, the course is designed for parents and direct support providers; it allows them to work at their own pace, yet participate with fellow learners in an environment that is led by a professor.

 

Houlton faculty includes recipients of distinguished awards from the National Science Foundation, Ford Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, New York Academy of Science, and National Academies of Sciences, among others. The program faculty are highly experienced practitioners and scholars who have garnered prestigious book awards and research fellowships.
View faculty list
 

 

Cost of the program: $300 (12 modules)

There are also a limited number of scholarships available for those who qualify.  

 

Have questions? Email

or call 1855HOULTON to learn about enrollment.   


From Our Readers: Michigan's Burger School for Students with Autism Featured in PBS documentary "A Wider World"

"ARI's founder, Dr. Bernie Rimland, visited Burger School for Students with Autism in Garden City, Michigan in 1990, when the district was considering disbanding the program - he shared at that time that he was impressed with the program. He spoke at the school, and was instrumental in helping save it.  He also was extremely helpful to our family over the years, especially during a time when Scott was experiencing a major regression.  His encouragement and expertise helped me, personally, through a very difficult time.  I will never forget him.

Above, top: Scott Howse front row center at the Burger ribbon cutting in 1990; above, right: Scott competing at a recent cross-country event. 
Our son, Scott, is a 29-year-old with high-functioning ASD.  He is a student at Schoolcraft Community College in Livonia, MI.  He is a member of the men's cross-country team, and was named the team's most valuable runner. 
 
Scott was featured in the PBS documentary series "A Wider World" this month. Watch the video

Scott was filmed running at Michigan State University, along with his high school and college coaches.  In addition, there was a segment filmed at Burger School, in Garden City, MI, where he attended school when he was younger.  His teacher, Colleen Presley-Polin, was interviewed and will be part of the 15-20 minute segment.  Burger is the largest center-based program for people with autism in the nation, and has been studied and duplicated by programs in other countries.

 
I think Scott's story could give hope and inspiration to other families - I am hoping that the PBS program will do that!"  

Connie Howse

Livonia, Michigan 

Missed a Recent Webinar? Not Too Late - Watch the Playback Now - It's Free

At the Autism Research Institute we have focused on providing information that is unbiased and broad-reaching, to assist families in making informed treatment decisions. If you can't join us live for the lecture and Q&A on the day a talk occurs, you can catch the replay online. Free certificates of participation are available for select talks upon completion of a brief knowledge quiz.

Register now for an upcoming webinar

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PRESENTER
WATCH NOW
"Ask the Nutritionist": Live Q&A
 
Liz Lipski, Ph.D, CCN, CHN
Liz Lipski, PhD - Ask the Nutritionist
Transitions for Adolescents and Young Adults with ASD: Social Relationships - Part 3*
Transitions for Adolescents and Young Adults with ASD, Part 3: Social Relationships, Oct 2013
Transitions for Adolescents and Young Adults with ASD: Higher Education and Jobs - Part 4*

Transitions for Adolescents and Young Adults with ASD, Part 4: Higher Education and Jobs
Exercise and Autism: Great Strategies to Create a Program That Will Make a Difference*  
Exercise and Autism: Great Strategies to Create a Program That Will Make a Difference, Nov 2013
Healthy Living for the New Year: Set Your 2014 Resolutions*

 

 

Healthy Living for the New Year: Set Your 2014 Resolutions, December 2013

* = Presented in partnership with The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development.

Planning Your Year-End Giving? Please Consider ARI

 

We know you'll be hearing from many worthy charities launching year-end giving campaigns in the weeks to come, and we hope you'll include ARI on your list.  As part of our commitment to following the science wherever it leads, ARI does not seek or accept sponsorships or donations from special-interest groups, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies or the government.

Charity Navigator In 2013, ARI has once again received the  "Four-Star Award" by Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management, accountability, and transparency.   

   

Ready to give? Donate Now