Research that Makes a Difference for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
June 2017 Research News & Updates
 
The staff at ARI and I wish everyone a cool and peaceful summer.
 
The issue of aging is a growing concern within the autism community. ARI is working closely with Dr. Margaret Bauman, Autism Canada, and the Pacific Autism Family Center to organize an international think tank later this year in Vancouver. The meeting will focus on issues related to seniors with ASD, ages 50 and older.

Consistent with our mission, ARI's primary interest centers on the physical health of seniors. Many comorbid medical issues observed in persons with ASD as early as childhood are common in the neurotypical elderly, including seizures, GI and immune issues, sleeping difficulties, and challenges in cognitive processing.

We appreciate donations to help support this important meeting.
 
Sincerely, 

Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Autism Research Institute
Autism Research News & Updates
Editorial: Moving forward in our understanding of autism
 
 
Fifty years ago, when Dr. Bernard Rimland founded the Autism Research Institute, he challenged virtually every accepted belief about autism. At a time when most authorities believed that autism stemmed from bad parenting, he stated unequivocally that parents were their children's strongest allies.

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.
 
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.
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.

Some of the research articles above also appear in a recent issue of ARI's Autism Research Review International newsletter.  
News from ARI
Positive findings in small-scale suramin pilot study at UCSD

 
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine administered low dose suramin to five boys with ASD and observed improvements in language, social behavior, and repetitive behaviors as compared to the placebo group.  Since this study consists of a small sample of children with ASD, we must be careful about generalizing these findings to the entire autism spectrum. Furthermore, although suramin is considered very safe at low doses, more research is needed to examine possible interactions with other drugs.
 
This research was partially funded by the Autism Research Institute.
  
ARI appoints new Chairwoman, board members
 
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Board Chairwoman Kimberly Taylor, JD
We are pleased to announce Taylorsville, North Carolina Judge Kimberly Taylor was appointed Chairwoman of the Autism Research Institute's board in May. 
 
Marvin Natowicz, M.D., Ph.D. of the Cleveland Clinic, and S. Jill James, Ph.D. of Arkansas Children's Hospital, joined the board as voting members. Christopher J. Flynn of Dublin N.H. was re-elected Treasurer and Jane Johnson of New York, N.Y. was elected Secretary. Immediate past chairman Paul Hardy, M.D. of Peterborough, N.H. remains a voting member of the board.
  
ARI once again earns highest, four-star rating from Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator

ARI has again earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.  "It's important our donors trust that we're using our funding wisely to accomplish our mission to improve the health and well-being of people on the autism spectrum through research and the education of professionals, those who are affected, and their families," said Autism Research Institute's Executive Director, Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. "Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters that we take our fiduciary and governance responsibilities very seriously."

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.
  
News from the Autism Community
Celebrating Extraordinary Ventures' tenth anniversary
 
On March 26, 2007, a group of local parents founded Extraordinary Ventures, a non-profit organization that creates small businesses to employ adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. This year marks 10 extraordinary years of providing excellent, sustainable jobs for this unique and underserved population. 
  
Tune in for Free Webinars
Tuesday, June 13th: Diagnosis in Adults
 
Presented by Claire Schutte, Psy-D, BCBA-D

Adults who suspect they may have autism often face many challenges in getting an appropriate evaluation and diagnosis. Join us for a discussion of the appropriate tools that should be utilized for an adult evaluation and what to do once a diagnosis has been confirmed.
 
*This webinar presented in partnership with The Johnson Center for Child Health & Development
Tuesday, June 27th: ASD & Technology
cloud_computers.jpg 
Presented by Morgan Devlin, Research Assistant

ASD and Technology: Join us for a discussion on the current state of research regarding ASD and technology and apps that are recommended for use by people with ASD.
 
*This webinar presented in partnership with The Johnson Center for Child Health & Development
Watch past ARI webinars online for free
GI issues & ASD Serotonin as a Potential Brain Gut Link
GI issues & Serotonin as a Potential Brain-Gut Link


Did you miss last month's webinar GI issues & ASD: Serotonin as a Potential Brain-Gut Link with Kara Gross Margolis, M.D.? It's not too late - watch the playback for free online now.

Check out our entire library on YouTube

ARI webinars are made possible through generous donor support. Donate now to support this important free service for parents and professionals. Give now

Opportunities to Participate in Research
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 Emma Chad-Friedman if you have any questions.
  
 
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
Free Online Continuing Medical Education
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. 
 
On Demand  
Topics Covered 
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  
 Translations  Portuguese  Certificados gratuitos  
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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