Research that Makes a Difference for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
August 2017 Research News & Updates

I hope you and your family are enjoying the summer season. The Johnson Center for Child Health & Development, in collaboration with the Autism Research Institute, is sponsoring a variety of webinars this month. For topics and free registration, see the article below. 
 
Did you know that ARI publishes a quarterly hardcopy science newsletter titled the Autism Research Review International?  Dr. Rimland began publishing the science newsletter in 1987, and it makes it easy to stay up-to-date on research relating to medical treatment and education.  The annual subscription is $20 (US) and $24 (International). Learn more and subscribe.

Throughout our 50-year history, ARI has conducted and funded cutting-edge research. In the past couple of months we have supported research studies on gender dimorphism and the microbiome, methionine sulfoxide, the MAPK pathway, and tryptophan metabolism. In addition, ARI continues to support the Brain and Tissue Bank at the University of Maryland. Learn more
Please stay cool and safe.
 
Sincerely, 

Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Autism Research Institute
Autism Research News & Updates
Colorful classroom displays may impair learning 
Colorful classroom displays appear to distract students and impair their learning, a new study reports, and the effect is stronger for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than for neurotypical children
 
Greater ability to detect sounds seen in individuals with ASD
Individuals with autism have an increased capacity for processing sounds, according to a new British study whose authors say this ability confers both advantages and disadvantages.
Accidental deaths a major risk in ASD
Individuals with autism are at significantly elevated risk for accidental death, according to a new study.

Some of the research articles above also appear in a recent issue of ARI's Autism Research Review International newsletter.  
News from ARI
 
Tell us what you think: c
omplete our survey for a chance to win 
We are conducting a survey to find out more about how we can best reach the community we serve. We want to know what you think. Complete the survey by August 30, 2017, and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card. 
  
A lifetime of investigation: Explore ARI's 50-year timeline
In 1967, Dr. Bernard Rimland established the Autism Research Institute (ARI) in San Diego. ARI's 50-year history is summarized in a new anniversary booklet, online now in PDF format at ARI50th.com.
  
Tune in for Free Webinars

 
Presented by David Beversdorf, M.D. 
August 2: Effect of Propranolol on Functional Connectivity  
University of Missouri researchers have found that propranolol - a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats - may have the potential to improve some social functions of individuals with autism. 
 
Presented by Jeanna Hill, MS, CCLS
August 8: Food in Schools 
When a child has a food allergy or is avoiding common allergens based on medical advice, the school cafeteria looms large. Learn tips for communicating with the appropriate school personnel, choosing to send lunches or arranging to buy school lunches and planning for snack times, special events and parties. This webinar is presented in partnership with The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development.
 
Watch past ARI webinars online for free
GI issues & ASD Serotonin as a Potential Brain Gut Link
GI issues & Serotonin as a Potential Brain-Gut Link

Did you miss last month's webinar GI issues & ASD: Serotonin as a Potential Brain-Gut Link with Kara Gross Margolis, M.D.? It's not too late - watch the playback for free online now.
ARI webinars are made possible through generous donor support. Donate now to support this important free service for parents and professionals. Give now

Opportunities to Participate in Research
Resiliency Program for Parents of Children with ASD
Massachusetts General Hospital's Parental Stress Study is offering a video conferencing program to teach resiliency to parents who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The program will be 8 weeks long, and meet once a week for 1.5 hours. Please contact the Study investigators if you have any questions.
  
Parent-Training Program Study
Dr. Lauren Moskowitz, a frequent ARI webinar presenter on challenging behaviors and anxiety, is seeking participants in a research study on the effectiveness of a group parent-training program for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD). Parents in the New York City or Long Island area are invited to participate.
Inflammatory Subtype: Biomarkers 
Dr. Harumi Jyonouchi is conducting research to characterize a previously unidentified inflammatory subtype of autism to improve autism treatment options. Individuals aged 1-30 years with autism and also typically developing individuals are invited to participate

Contact the Study Investigators
 
Adults: Survey Takers Needed
If you or a person you care for is on the autism spectrum and is 50 years of age or older, we would appreciate it if you could complete the online form.

Learn More and take the survey
Treatment Effectiveness Survey
Researchers at Arizona State University are conducting a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for autism, including medications, diets, therapies, and education. The investigators hope to learn which treatments are most effective for different symptoms (language, anxiety, sleep, GI, etc.).  Survey results will be posted online for families and clinicians, and published in a scientific journal.

Share your experience - take the survey
Free Online Continuing Medical Education
Watch Complimentary Autism CME Webcasts - More to Come
The health of children and adults with autism can be improved by clinicians knowledgeable about the medical and neurological etiologies associated with this complex disorder.

Gain expert insight about behavioral improvement that can be achieved when underlying comorbid medical, neurological, gastrointestinal, and sleep issues are addressed.

Additional CME webcasts are planned for release later in 2017 - be sure to subscribe and watch for updates at autism.com. 
 
On Demand  
Topics Covered 
Options 
Watch Part 1  Metabolic, gastrointestinal, and neurological comorbidites View & print Part 1 flyer  
Watch Part 2  Sleep issues, tips for compassionate care featuring Dr. Temple Grandin View & print Part 2 flyer  
 Translations  Portuguese Certificados gratuitos  
2017 marks the Autism Research Institute's 50th Anniversary... 50 years of serving the autism community through promoting research. We hope you will support #Give50ARI - a campaign to honor this milestone that will keep our work moving forward for years to come.

Donate to our "Give50ARI" campaign. Support ARI and Learn about monthly giving

STAY CONNECTED:
Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116