Research that Makes a Difference for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
September 2017 Research News & Updates

All of us at ARI send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey. Follow us on social media for updates on ways you can help families affected by autism in need of assistance in Southeastern Texas.

As you may know, we lost one of our own last month at ARI when our call center manager Nancy Cale passed away August 11th. Nancy faithfully manned our resource calling center for more than a decade and helped with many of our conferences over the years. A tireless advocate, Nancy was one of the finest people I have known. She is sorely missed and we will endeavor to carry on the important work she did.

For those of you beginning a new school year, I wish you the very best for a successful transition back to classroom schedules and school day routines. 

Sincerely, 
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Autism Research Institute
Autism Research News & Updates
 
Studies cast doubt on association between autism, antidepressants 
Three new studies suggest that there is little or no association between maternal antidepressant use during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children.
 
Prevalence of infection with cytomegalovirus before birth and ASD
Prenatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may play a role in a surprising number of cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a new study from Italy suggests.
Therapy balls may improve behavior of ASD students in class
A small study suggests that changing classroom seating may improve the behavior of some students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Some of the research articles above also appear in a recent issue of ARI's Autism Research Review International newsletter.  
News from ARI
Nancy Herndon Cale (right) January 5, 1944- August 11, 2017 Shown here with Unlocking Autism co-founder Shelley Hendrix  
Remembering ARI's Call Center Manager Nancy Cale
Nancy Herndon Cale, the warm, compassionate voice behind ARI's helpline for more than a decade, passed away unexpectedly August 11. She was 73. 
 
Often the first friend parents looking for support could reach, Nancy persisted as an advocate in the autism community for more than 20 years. After her grandson was diagnosed with autism at age 3, she co-founded Unlocking Autism in his honor. Nancy worked to bring awareness to the increase in diagnoses in partnership with state and local governments and was recognized with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for her efforts.
 
 
A  tribute from Nancy's family:
How to Love Your Children Well
In 2006, after the passing of ARI's founder Dr. Rimland, Nancy began taking calls to ARI from parents and caregivers. Having manned a call center for several years, she knew what to expect. Nancy possessed the uncanny ability to sense when to offer help and when to be quiet and listen. Patience and a gentle, self-deprecating sense of humor armed her with an unusual talent for putting others at ease when sharing the details of the challenges they faced. 
 
She once explained her calling: "I am humbled each and every day by the depth of the needs and concerns of those who call searching for help for their loved ones with autism. I am happy knowing the generous heart of our community makes it possible to assure new parents, parents facing new struggles, and adults looking for help. Bless you all who take time to reach out to others as we work to make life better for those who ask for our help."
 
In 2008, Nancy became a key administrative staff member for ARI conferences, coordinating fulfillment for event mailings and eventually serving as the vendor manager through the conference's conclusion in 2012. Through it all, Nancy answered the joint ARI/Unlocking Autism resource line daily, continuing to field calls until the day she was admitted to the hospital in mid-August. 
 
Hundreds of messages of comfort and remembrance reached Nancy's family through email, social media, and in person in the days following her passing. We gratefully pay tribute to our vibrant, kind friend, whose hard work will continue to inspire all of us at ARI and those whose lives she touched for many years to come.   
 
Donations may be made in Nancy's honor through ARI. Nancy's family requests donors note "Hurricane Harvey Relief for families with ASD," "Support Line," or "Research Fund" in the Dedication section of the online giving form; checks designating a preferred fund, may be sent to: ARI, 4182 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116.    
 
Share with your Physician:
New, Complimentary CME Webcasts on Medical Issues & ASD


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.
 
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  
New!
 
Immunological Issues in ASD - Judy Van de Water, Ph.D. 
Anxiety talks coming soon 
Flyer coming soon
 Translations  Portuguese  Certificados gratuitos  
Tune in for Free Webinars
Presented by
Beth Malow, M.D.
September 13: Interrelationship of sleep and neurological disease  
Join neurologist Beth Malow, M.D. for updates on strategies for diagnosing and addressing sleep issues associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
 
Presented by Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN 
September 14: Gut Microbiome in ASD
Recent studies on the gut microbiomes of individuals with autism support the possibility of a link between the microbiome and behaviors characteristic of ASD. Tune in to learn more about the latest research and nutritional strategies.                
 
Presented by The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development.
Propranolol and Autism - David Beversdorf, M.D.
Watch past webinars online for free

Did you miss Propranolol and Autism with David Beversdorf, M.D.? It's not too late - watch the playback for free online now.
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 the Study investigators 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
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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