ARI conferences provide the latest content that informs medical treatment and metabolic support; this means information sufficient to reduce physical pain and roadblocks in children with autism, to the extent that many are newly able to communicate and learn.

ARI is distinguished by its commitment to invite only the most credible, accredited, and forward-thinking researchers and clinicians as speakers. Information on a medical treatment is presented at our conferences only after a special preview committee has deemed it both safe and effective.

There is no other conference with an agenda devoted to teaching how GI disorders, detoxification and other metabolic issues, and nutrition, impact a child’s sense of self, behavior, attention, speech, and general health and wellbeing. Our scientific principles and protocols apply to affected children of all ages, and varying conditions. Often, an underlying metabolic problem is found to cause symptoms associated with autism, so that when a biochemical “glitch” is identified by lab test and then addressed, the child’s “quirk” diminishes or goes away.

Are we saying the medical approach is the only way to tackle autism? Not at all. Many therapies, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy (among others), help a child's chances of improving, and in some cases, recovering. But without addressing co-morbid physiological disorders and medical conditions, little true or lasting progress or benefit can be expected.

ARI is known worldwide as the premier conference to uncover the causes, focus on effective treatments, and share our happiness at the recovery of some children. We do not claim “cure,” nor do we claim to have all the answers; in fact, knowing we don’t is what keeps us moving forward. But thanks to the insights and tenacity of the community, and the determination, professionalism, and open-mindedness of our researchers and clinicians, we can say unequivocally at every ARI Conference: Autism is Treatable. Recovery is Possible! We know this to be true.

Stephen M. Edelson, PhD, Executive Director, ARI

Meet our Conference team

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. ARI conducts and sponsors “research that makes a difference, ”focusing on studies that translate into immediate benefits for today’s generation of children and adults with autism. Over the past three decades ARI has pioneered a number of successful treatments supported by experimental and clinical evidence.