August/September 2015   

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In This Issue
CME for professionals - print this flyer for complimentary webcast series
Autism.Jobs provides employment resources
ARI's Scientific Advisory Board
New Autism Lecture Series Set for September
Story in a Snapshot: Meet Jack
Complimentary CME in Joint Providership with Cleveland Clinic
New Online Employability Course accessible, Fast and Effective Training
Watch Medical Support Social Story, Videos
Join Our Mailing List

Tell Us What You'd Like to See - Take our Webinar Series Topic Survey  
At the Autism Research Institute we have focused on providing presentations that are unbiased and broad-reaching, to assist families in making informed treatment decisions. We also strive to provide professional education that gives thoughtful, inquisitive clinicians the means to offer support that is safe and effective.

We are gathering information for the development of several in-depth webinar series. We want to know what topics interest you - please take a moment to share your opinion.

Take our webinar series survey
Printable Flyer: CME for Medical Professionals

This activity - offered in joint providership by Cleveland Clinic and ARI - provides expert insight about behavioral improvement that can be achieved when underlying comorbid medical and neurological issues associated with ASD are addressed.

Print flyer (.pdf)

50th Anniversary Updated Edition of Bernard Rimland's Infantile Autism
 
With updates from some of the best-known names in the autism field, Bernard Rimland's seminal work on autism theory is now available for a new generation of readers in this anniversary edition of Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and Its Implications for a Neural Theory of Development.

"Dr. Rimland is to be commended for presenting the first evidence that autism was a biological condition. When his book was published, he was a lone visionary."
- from the foreword by Temple Grandin, Ph.D.

Bonus: ARI will be giving away one copy of this new book every month to an enews subscriber.  
Receive a Certificate of Participation after attending a free online webinar
You can receive a free Certificate of Attendance for select webinars. After the webinar, you simply click a link in your webinar confirmation email and complete a short, online knowledge-verification quiz. A printable certificate will be available immediately upon passing the test.
MUMPER_COLOR  
Upcoming Free Webinar:
Elizabeth Mumper, M.D.

Register and tune in for free:
Part 2 - 1 pm Eastern, Wed. Sep. 2

Miss part 1?  Watch the replay on our webinar hub. 


ARI has published a quarterly newsletter, the Autism Research Review International (ARRI), since 1987. The ARRI has received worldwide praise for its thoroughness and objectivity in reporting the current developments in biomedical and educational research. 

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. - includes shipping). Each issue is sent via first class mail.

 

Keep up with the latest research updates - subscribe now through ARI's Autism Store on Amazon.com

 

Visit the ARRI archives to peruse a clickable, alphabetical article index of Autism Research Review International issues 1987 to 2006, Volumes 1 to 20.

 

Visit the online archives & subscribe  

  


AutismJobs for Job Seekers, Families and Caregivers, Job Coaches and Employers 

 

Discover the advantages of hiring individuals with autism. Access practical information that helps candidates become "job ready" and helps employers create autism-friendly workplaces. This database is a searchable collection of autism employment resources with a wealth of practical advice. It includes links to a variety of resources including articles, videos, books and more. Guides highlight key steps in the employment process.  We hope you'll find this database helpful in matching job seekers and employers in ways that reward both. Learn more and visit Autism Jobs 


Keep up with the latest research
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 (US funds; $24 outside the US). Each issue is sent via first class mail.
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.
ARI SAB: Research that Makes a Difference
ARI's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) provides informed support and direction for our research initiatives. Dr. Stephen M. Edelson leads the group, assembling thought leaders in the medical and scientific community in order to further ARI's ongoing commitment to research that makes a difference.
Learn more


We know you hear from many worthy charities 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. Your donation through our website is safe, secure, and private and helps support research that makes a difference.
Give now

Quick Links
Dear ARI Subscriber,  

The fall season is only a few weeks away, and I know many of you are now focused on the start of the new school year. I wish you the best of luck. Fortunately, much more is known these days about teaching those on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, not every school district is up-to-date with the latest methods.

A legendary medical researcher, Dr. Mary Coleman, is presenting a talk at the University of Gothenburg (Sweden) on September 25, 2015.  In fact, Dr. Coleman kicks off the first lecture in a series named in her honor. Dr. Bernard Rimland had great respect for her groundbreaking research and even collaborated with her. I have also been a big fan of Dr. Coleman's work since my early days as a UCLA undergraduate.

We're also excited to report that ARI's YouTube channel surpassed 100,000 views last month. Since launching the channel two years ago we've offered hundreds of thousands of hours of free online information from top experts to parents and professionals worldwide. To subscribe and watch free lectures anytime, see the ARI YouTube Channel.
 
Steve Edelson, Ph.D.
Director, Autism Research Institute 
Dr. Mary Coleman Set to Deliver Inaugural Talk for  Neuropsychiatry Lecture Series at University of Gothenburg this September
 
On September 25th a new series of lectures will be introduced at the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre at University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The lectures will be given every two years and will focus specifically on autism and related disorders. Mary Coleman is a pediatric neurologist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders and currently president of the Foundation for Autism Research, Inc. She was educated at the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University, with neurology training at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and ChildrenĀ“s Hospital in Washington, DC.

She has published more than 100 scientific papers and 11 books, most of which are on or related to autism. She is one of the great pioneers in the study of the biology of autism. Her book The Autistic Syndromes published almost 40 years ago is a landmark in the history of autism. 
  1. Autism or Asperger's are not diseases in themselves - they are the behavioral results of altered neural pathways in the brain that are found in a great many different disease entities. None of the disorders implicated in autism/Asperger's by genomic studies are associated with autism in 100% of the cases to date; none exhibit a fully penetrant autism phenotype. This limitation needs to be kept in mind as we try to discover the neural pathways that lead to the behavioral phenotype.
  2. Autistic features are caused by both genetic and epigenetic errors, including risk across generations. Identifying these errors in each child with autism is the first step toward finding a successful medical therapy.
  3. There are more boys than girls with autism because there are many more underlying diseases with a male predominance.
  4. Molecular studies indicate why some disease entities with autistic features have a pattern of regression.
  5. We do not yet know enough to be sure of which approach to use to create a medical therapy for most individual children with autistic features, but figuring out the mechanism of action of the underlying disease in each child, as revealed by genomic studies, undoubtedly is the important first step. We already know that there probably will be many different therapies for many different diseases, depending upon the mechanisms of action in each disease, since medical therapies for 4 of the diseases with autistic features are now underway. 
Dr. Coleman's most recent book, The Autisms, is a popular textbook written in collaboration with Dr. Christopher Gillberg. Learn more

Story in a Snapshot: Meet Jack
"My son, Jack, is 13 years old, energetic, physically "normal," and generally very happy. He is also autistic, predominately non-verbal and resides in a residential house for adolescents with ASD. Jack, like many autistic individuals, is prone to wandering. Prior to his placement in the residence, Jack wandered from his father's home. Fortunately, he was located unharmed in a channel, holding on to a dock. I am told that if the tide was stronger he would have drowned. Thankfully he now has 24-hour supervision and a tracking device. In 2014 Avonte Oquendo tragically died and many did not understand how he was permitted to simply just walk out of the school. But I do understand how that can easily happen if the individual looks "normal" externally. For me as a parent it suddenly became important to spread awareness about wandering. Specifically that everyone in our society needs to understand that an individual with ASD may appear 100-percent "normal" from the outside but still be completely lost on the inside. I believe that Jack is the classic example of this and this is why I submitted the photo."
 
Last spring we held a photo-share event and received snapshots of loved ones with autism sent in by ARI families from around the world.  We've been sharing these photos and stories weekly on our Facebook page.  Thanks to all the families who participated, and to Jack's mom, Lesley, for sharing Jack's story.  

 

View the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Research and Medical Treatment Implications webcast series. Learn how behavioral improvement can be achieved when underlying comorbid medical and neurological issues associated with autism spectrum disorders are addressed.     

 

Many individuals with autism experience chronic physical discomfort, yet lack the ability to describe their medical problems - particularly in clinical settings. Clinicians who have the ability to identify symptoms and communicate with patients on the autism spectrum can dramatically improve patient care. Participate in the webcast series today!    

 

Print and share the series flyer 


These activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Starting September 14th: AGI's Building-Independence-for-Living Training
   

Starting soon: the Autistic Global Initiative and the Houlton Institute's online course emphasizing foundational knowledge and competencies needed to support adults with autism in daily living settings. The program includes lectures, videos, moderated discussions, activities, chat rooms, reading activities and more--all at your own pace.


This course enables learners to

engage with autism--either as a supporter or as an individual on the spectrum--in their attempt to gain an appreciation of its complexities using evidence-based tools and practices.  

 

When? Next session starts September 14th. 


Format: 12-session, instructor-led, self-paced online course with 24/7 technical support.  


Fees:

Program cost is $299.  

Continuing education units (1.2 CEU through Oregon State University): add $45

There are a limited number of scholarships available.

Request scholarship information 

 

Provides a PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH to:

  • Sensory Regulation
  • Communication
  • Citizenship and Community Life
  • Sexuality
  • Safety
  • Health and Wellness
  • Transportation

 

Faculty: Top practitioners & scholars 

Online pre-registration is required  

 

Questions?
email: [email protected] 

(855) 468-5866  

  

 

"58% of young adults on the autism spectrum worked for pay outside the home between high school and their early 20s-a rate far lower than young adults with other types of disabilities." Key Findings National Autism Indicators Report: Transition Into Young Adulthood, Drexel University, April 2015

The Autistic Global Initiative of the Autism Research Institute has partnered with uptimize, an online education company, to create Learn The Steps, Get Employed. The self-paced, online course is an important resource for young adults with autism who face serious systemic challenges when it comes to becoming employed.

 

Format: 17 micro tutorials  

 

What you'll learn: 

  • Building on your strengths
  • Developing a network
  • Finding opportunities
  • Resume & cover letter tips
  • Researching organizations
  • Practicing for interviews
  • How to disclose a disability
  • Presentation & body language
  • How to impress employers
  • Knowing when to follow up...& more

One-time Fee:

  • $75 for unlimited individual access  
Annual partnership licensing is available for organizations and educational institutions.

Includes: 

  • iPhone, iPad and Android accessibility
  • Unlimited viewing and reviewing of videos and course materials

Register 

Did You Know ARI Records and Uploads Webinars?  Watch and Share These Informative Talks by Top Experts 
We are grateful to our friends at the Johnson Center for Child Health & Development for working in partnership to offer presentations throughout the year. Upcoming webinars, Past Webinars

TITLE
PRESENTER
WATCH NOW
Medical Issues in ASD - Part 1

Elizabeth Mumper,
M.D., FAAP
Assessing and Treating Challenging Behavior in Children with ASD
Lauren Moskowitz, Ph.D.

A Parent's Guide to Navigating Insurance Coverage*
Wendy Richardson, Johnson Center for Child Health and Development

Sulforaphane, Broccoli & ASD - the DNA Whisperer
Tom Malterre, MS, CN
Microbiome Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
William Parker, Ph.D.
Optimistic Parenting: Hope and Help for Individuals with Challenging Behavior
V. Mark Durand, Ph.D.


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

Medical visits can be stressful for anyone. Individuals with autism often face extra challenges during procedures like physical examinations and blood draws due to difficulty communicating about the symptoms they are experiencing and sensory issues that can occur in the clinical setting. Print and share the video series flyer.   

 

The fear and anxiety felt during medical procedures by those with autism can also be stressful for caregivers and medical professionals administering treatment. This video series was developed by treatment professionals at the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development.  

 

Watch and share these brief helpful videos to prepare for medical visits. 

 

Social Story: Today I Am Having a Blood Draw
Social Story: Today I Am Having a Blood Draw

 

Caregiver Strategies: Positioning for Comfort
Caregiver Strategies: Positioning for Comfort
 
Easing Anxiety: Medical Play
Easing Anxiety: Medical Play