Research that Makes a Difference for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
July 2018 Research News & Updates
Dear ARI subscriber,
 
This month I will travel to the east coast to meet with researchers, ARI board members, donors, and representatives at the United Nations. The goal has always been to move the needle forward as fast as possible. We need substantial change with respect to understanding autism and determining optimal ways to provide needed support for people on the spectrum of all ages.
 
I am sorry to announce that Josh Greenfield passed away last month at the age of ninety. He wrote a series of books about his autistic son, starting with the popular book A Child Called Noah in 1973. Josh was also a close friend of our founder Dr. Bernard Rimland. Trivia: Josh Greenfield co-wrote the screenplay Harry and Tonto, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He also wrote the screenplay for the movie Oh God! Book II.
 
Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing summer.  

Sincerely, 
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Autism Research Institute
Autism Research News & Updates
Study renews questions about maternal antidepressants, ASD

In the wake of three studies showing no link between maternal antidepressant use and autism (see ARRI Vol. 2, 2017), a more recent study raises questions about the possibility of a small association.
Study offers clues about eye avoidance in ASD

New research indicates that individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) avoid eye contact not because they lack interest in interacting socially, but because making eye contact causes them to experience unpleasant arousal in the brain's subcortical system.
 
Individuals with autism less susceptible to biased decisions

The reduced sensitivity to contextual clues displayed by many people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may make them more efficient at making high-level decisions than their neurotypical peers, 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.  
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The past couple of years have been game-changing for ARI.  Learn about our efforts to look for common ground for collaboration and spearhead efforts to accelerate progress in autism research and education. We understand what it means to be different,
because we have always been unique. Learn all about where your support has taken us.
WAO Set for Houston Nov. 12-15th
Early Bird Registration Ends July 27
Every four years, the World Autism Organization (WAO) hosts a large international congress in a region where there is a low availability of resources and whose neighboring regions are also in need of the establishment of services and support. 
 
November 12-15, 2018, the WAO plans to host its 5th International Congress in Houston, with support from the American Society for Autism, and in partnership with Nuevo Leon Parent Organization from Mexico. Historically, 1200 -1500 attendees register for WAO international congresses. Organizers expect approximately 120 speakers, an extensive range of poster presentations, and educational and informative exhibitions.
 
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ARI webinars are made possible through generous donor support, including a grant from Local 25 Boston Teamsters
Upcoming webinar: Depression & ASD: What are the signs, symptoms, and considerations for treatment?

Presented by Claire Schutte, Psy-D, BCBA-D and Amanda Tami, LPC, BCBA-D

The Johnson Center for Child Health & Development
 
 
This webinar is presented in partnership with the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development
Upcoming webinar: 18 is Coming: Considerations for Parents and Caregivers as Your Child Approaches Adulthood

Presented by Claire Schutte, Psy-D, BCBA-D and Laura Hewitson, PhD
 
 
This webinar is presented in partnership with the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development
Complimentary Continuing Education
 
CME Webcasts: Anxiety, Immunological Issues - New Talks Set for Later in 2018

The health of children and adults with autism can be improved by clinicians knowledgeable about the medical etiologies associated with this complex disorder. Watch for new talks later this year. 
ON DEMAND
TOPICS 
OPTIONS
CME Webcasts - Part 1 - extended Metabolic and gastrointestinal   View & print flyer  
Watch Part 2 Archives   Sleep issues, tips for compassionate care featuring Dr. Temple Grandin and more Embed and Share  
Immunological Issues and Anxiety
 Translations  Portuguese Certificados gratuitos  
Opportunities to Participate in Research
The UCSD Newborn Screening Autism Risk Study
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego are seeking participants born in California, currently aged 3-6 with and without autism.
 
"Can newborn screening (NBS) results be used to predict the future risk of ASD before the first symptoms appear?" This is the question we will try to answer in this study. Your participation will allow us to go back in time, to analyze the results of your child's California State NBS tests that were performed at birth. No new samples are required.
 
For additional information, please visit the research study website or contact the Naviaux Lab at [email protected] or call 619-884-8021.
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 than girls is related to differences in intestinal bacteria.  
 
We are seeking families to participate in this study who have boy and girl siblings with autism.  These families 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.
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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Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116