Research that Makes a Difference for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
April 2018 Research News & Updates

Dear ARI subscriber, 

Autism Awareness Month provides the autism community with a visible platform to bring awareness of many topics to the general public. As we all know, there are countless issues associated with autism, including the lifetime challenges often faced by people with autism, accommodations to handle challenges within society, the current state of autism research, government policies, and much more.

Later this week we will be releasing a report on aging in autism. The report is based on discussions held at the first North American think tank on this topic. ARI co-sponsored both the think tank and the report with Autism Canada and the Pacific Family Autism Network.
Regarding accommodations, we recently uploaded a new editorial to our website by Steven J. Orfield regarding the design of sensory-optimal residential, school, and work spaces for those with autism.
 
Later this month ARI will convene its 24th annual think tank, which includes researchers and clinicians. I will also be presenting the keynote address at an international autism conference in Moscow.

We will be sharing more about autism throughout the month. Stay tuned!



Sincerely, 
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Autism Research Institute
Autism Research News & Updates
Perceptual and cognitive disability research

Professionals who design building structures typically do not take into account the perceptual and/or cognitive challenges experienced by individuals with various disabilities. The need for objective standards is paramount, given the increasing number of residential facilities, therapeutic clinics, and employ­ment settings currently being designed for those with autism and other disabilities.
Attention training shows promise for students with ASD

Computerized activities designed to improve attention skills may benefit young children with autism, according to a new study.

Researchers explore links between autism, synesthesia 
    
Individuals with synesthesia exhibit two characteristics-increased sensory sensitivity and enhanced attention to detail-that are also common in autism, according to a new study.
Perceptual issues may explain "contagious yawning" differences in individuals with ASD

Research shows that individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are less likely than other people to exhibit "contagious yawning"-that is, to yawn in response to another person yawning.
Some of the research articles above also appear in a recent issue of ARI's Autism Research Review International newsletter.  
News from ARI
ARI 2018 "Story in a Snapshot" Photo Share 
 
 
 
This month we are continuing our annual tradition: inviting families to share a favorite photo of a loved one on the spectrum. Ten lucky participants will win a copy of Dr. Jon Pangborn's book, Nutritional Supplement Use for Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and a copy of Helen Landalf & artist Mark Rimland's book, The Secret Night World of Cats, signed by Mark Rimland.

Grand Prize Drawing April 30th:
Win a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card
First Edition of Infantile Autism signed by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.
ARI Hosts Annual Think Tank Later this Month
 
Highly respected researchers and clinicians gather each April at the Autism Research Institute's annual Think Tank to discuss critical questions about autism. The meeting is a cornerstone of our work, facilitated by ARI's Scientific Advisory Board  and made possible through generous donor support. Learn More

ARI Director set to speak in Moscow in late April

For the past few years, Dr. Edelson has traveled to Moscow to co-chair a three-day conference on autism. This year he returns with expert speakers from the United States to help present the International Research and Practical Conference III: Autism, Challenges, and Solutions, scheduled for April 20-22. Speakers joining ARI's contingent include Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN and Amanda Tami,
MA, LPC, BCBA.
Research professionals: ARI research grant application online
 
 
 
The Autism Research Institute conducts, sponsors and supports research on the underlying causes of and treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our grant application is now online and we are currently accepting applications from qualified research professionals. 
Learn More
 Free Webinars This Month
Watch ARI past and future webinars online for free
Emotional Regulation and ASD Carla Mazefsky, Ph.D.
Watch now: Emotional Regulation & ASD Carla Mazefsky, Ph.D.

Donate now to support this important free service for parents and professionals.
Give now

ARI webinars are made possible through generous donor support including a grant from Local 25 Boston Teamsters
Upcoming webinar: April 11th - Ask the Nutritionist - Expert tips for improving health and optimizing development through nutrition
nutrition

Vicki Kobliner MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with years of experience in applying a functional approach to nutrition. Tune in and ask your questions live.
 
This webinar is made possible in part by a generous grant from Local 25, Boston Teamsters.
Upcoming webinar: April 16th - Evidence-based Approach to Teaching Social Skills to Teens with ASD

Join Aarti Nair, Ph.D. of the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior for this talk on using an evidence-based approach for teaching social skills to teens diagnosed with ASD. 
 
This webinar is made possible in part by a generous grant from Local 25, Boston Teamsters.
Complimentary Continuing Education
 
CME Webcasts: Anxiety, Immunological Issues in ASD

The health of children and adults with autism can be improved by clinicians knowledgeable about the medical etiologies associated with this complex disorder.
ON DEMAND
TOPICS 
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  
New!

Immunological Issues and Anxiety
 Translations  Portuguese Certificados gratuitos  
Opportunities to Participate in Research
Siblings needed for research study: Why are boys more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder?
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Autism Research Institute are investigating whether the reason why boys are more affected is related to differences in intestinal bacteria.  
 
Participants in this study will be mailed stool kits with instructions and will be asked to collect samples. A brief medical history will be taken.  
 
For additional information, please contact Harland Winter, MD at [email protected] or call 617-724-2004.
Survey takers needed: Autism & Ehlers-Danlos/Joint Hypermobility Syndrome
Researchers at the University of South Carolina are interested in learning more about certain medical issues experienced by adults 25 years of age or older with a diagnosis of ASD and/or EDS/JHS. The online survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete.   
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.
  
Experiences of Children and Teens with ASD 
This is a study that will compare how children ages 11-18 with and without autism experience the world around them. 
  
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
Making a Difference in 2018

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