May 2017 Research News & Updates
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April passed in a whirlwind of activity at ARI and we are deeply grateful for your contributions and messages of support. We are nearly halfway through our 50th Anniversary Giving Campaign and look forward to sharing more opportunities to help in the weeks to come. Your gifts make our work possible. Last month's Scientific Think Tank in Dallas featured experts on medical, biomedical, and nutritional research and treatments. As is always the case at ARI's meetings, dedicated, forward-thinking delegates were selected for participation based on their objectivity and interest in engaging in groundbreaking discussions aimed at moving the research forward in the best interest of persons with autism and their families. From Dallas, I was honored to travel to Moscow with a delegation of experts to present information about evidence-based treatments at an international conference. After a few days home, this weekend I am attending the International Meeting for Autism Research in San Francisco, taking in perspectives from researchers around the world.
Sincerely,
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. Executive Director, Autism Research Institute
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Autism Research News & Updates
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Researchers investigate associations between autism and dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects gross and/or fine motor movements. It is often seen in ASD and also affects approximately 2-6% of the general population.
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Low vitamin D associated with more autism-related traits
Low levels of vitamin D during prenatal development correlate with a higher level of autism-related traits, according to a new study.
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New research on epigenetic changes in autism spectrum disorders
Epigenetic changes are alterations in gene activity that occur without changes to the DNA itself. These changes, which switch genes on or off, can sometimes be passed on to future generations.
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Researcher Mary Coleman receives lifetime achievement award at IMFAR 2017
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|  | Dr. Mary Coleman and ARI Director Steve Edelson at IMFAR earlier this week
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Mary Coleman is a pediatric neurologist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders. She has published more than 100 scientific papers and 11 books, most of which are on or related to autism. She is one of the great pioneers in the study of the biology of autism.
Dr. Coleman's book The Autistic Syndromes, published almost 40 years ago, is a landmark in the history of autism. Her contribution to the understanding of what we now increasingly refer to as "The Autisms" cannot be overrated.
This week, Dr. Coleman is being honored at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) in San Francisco. We congratulate her on her life's work and contributions to advancing our understanding of this complex disorder.
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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.
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Tune in for Free Webinars
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|  | Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN |
May 16: *Nutrition Interventions to Improve Sleep in Your Household
A discussion on nutrition interventions and strategies to help increase the 'Zzzzz's' in your home. Tune in at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, (US) on Tuesday, May 16th.
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|  | Kara Gross Margolis, MD |
May 24: Research Update: GI issues & ASD
Tune in for "Serotonin as a Potential Brain Gut Link," presented by Dr. Kara Gross Margolis, a pediatric gastroenterologist whose clinical subspecialty is gastrointestinal problems in children with autism. Tune in at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, (US) on Wednesday, May 24th.
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|  | "Supporting Sensory Needs in Children & Teens with ASD," Lindsey Biel, OTR-L |
Watch past ARI webinars online for free
Did you miss this week's webinar on Sensory Issues and ASD with occupational therapist Lindsay Biel? It's not too late - watch the playback for free online now.
Check out our entire library on YouTubeARI webinars are made possible through generous donor support. Donate now to support this important free service for parents and professionals. Give now
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Opportunities to Participate in Research
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Epilepsy, Endocrine Disorders, & Immune Dysregulation in Adult Women with ASD
Are you an adult woman 25 years of age or older who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, or her legal guardian? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a survey study designed to better understand co-occurring medical conditions in women on the spectrum.
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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.
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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 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
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