February 2017 Research News & Updates
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January went by quite quickly for all of us at ARI. We are busy these days evaluating research grant proposals, preparing for upcoming think tanks and meetings, editing continuing education footage for physicians, organizing our near-weekly webinars, and planning our 50th anniversary celebration.
Are you aware of our daily "Did you know's" that are posted each weekday on autism.com and through our social media outlets? If not, be sure to check them out. In addition, ARI publishes Clinical Research in Autism, a bimonthly e-newsletter aimed at informing obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses about recent peer-reviewed studies that are relevant to their practice.
Last month journalist Dan Olmsted passed away. I have fond memories of Dan hosting a lively Q&A alongside ARI founder Dr. Bernard Rimland at Dr. Rimland's last public appearance in Vancouver, Washington in 2006. On behalf of the ARI team, I wish to extend deepest condolences to his loved ones for their loss.
Sincerely,
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. Executive Director, Autism Research Institute
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Autism Research News & Updates
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Positive results reported for novel speech training program
A technique called Auditory-Motor Mapping Training (AMMT) may significantly improve the communication skills of minimally verbal children with ASD, according to a new study.
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Study raises concerns about first-trimester diagnostic ultrasound
First-trimester diagnostic ultrasounds may put children with a genetic vulnerability to autism at higher risk for severe symptoms if they develop the condition, a study suggests.
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Individuals with ASD are less susceptible to "optimism bias"
Neurotypical individuals tend to exhibit a significant "optimism bias" when it comes to forming beliefs about future outcomes in their lives. According to a new study, individuals with high-functioning ASD are less susceptible to this bias.
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Study finds that sibling 'cross-disorder' risk is raised for ASD, epilepsy
The risk of developing epilepsy is elevated in younger siblings of children with ASD, a new study reports, and the risk of ASD is elevated if an older sibling has epilepsy.
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Remembering 50 Years of Research
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ARI's Early Days: 1968 Documentary Called for Research on Autism's Cause and Potential Treatment
"The Invisible Wall" was released in 1968. After receiving much international attention for the publication of his book Infantile Autism, ARI's founder Dr. Bernard Rimland felt he needed to continue to change the prevailing mindset that parents were to blame for their children's autism. The film features touching personal stories, photographs and film of footage of parents and their children diagnosed with autism.
Dr. Rimland's interview, interspersed throughout the film, touches on many topics, including evidence that pointed to an organic, rather than a psychological cause. Watch Now
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Tune in for this month's webinars
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'About ARI Webinars,' from proud mom, Cyndi Gaillard: "This is my daughter, Victoria. ARI is one of the few Autism research groups that I trust. We have benefited from webinars, specifically regarding helminths and PANS/PANDAS. We are proud to contribute to ARI's research in conjunction with ASU's Autism research by participating in the ZooWalk for Autism Research. We proudly advocate for ARI at every opportunity and wish for more breakthroughs in 2017, for all of us. Thank you for all that you do."
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|  | Dr. Nancy O'Hara |
Feb 8: Think Twice: Appropriate Medical Support for Your Child
Whether you go to see your regular pediatrician, a specialist in autism or an integrative physician, you should know what questions to ask and why you might be asked certain questions. This lecture will help you to discover how to get the most information and support for all of your time, money and effort. Tune in at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, (US) on Wednesday, Feb 8th.
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|  | Lauren Moskowitz, Ph.D. |
Feb. 15: Live Q&A: Self-Injurious Behavior
Have a question about self-injury that you would like to ask an expert? Join Dr. Lauren Moskowitz for this as she answers questions about Self-Injurious Behavior in real time. Special time: Tune in at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, (US) on Wednesday, Feb 15th
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|  | Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN |
Feb. 23: Live Q&A: Ask the Nutritionist
Ever had a question you wanted to ask a nutritionist? Here's your chance - Kelly Barnhill of The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development will be taking participants' questions live during this webinar. Tune in at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, (US) on Thursday, Feb 23rd
*Presented in partnership with The Johnson Center for Child Health & Development.
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We are grateful to our friends at the Johnson Center for Child Health & Development for working in partnership to offer presentations throughout the year. View the 2017 webinar schedule
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Opportunities to Participate in Research
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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
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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
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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
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Free Online Continuing Medical Education
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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.
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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 raise support in honor of this milestone to keep our work moving forward for years to come.
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