Monthly News | February 2021
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Greetings!
We truly hope everyone is doing relatively well these days. It has been a year since the pandemic started in the United States, and as a result, many families and individuals diagnosed with ASD are dealing with countless challenges.
As you may know, we did a quick turnaround soon after the pandemic began. Many of our webinars were refocused on dealing with issues related to COVID-19. In addition, network support groups in Russia and Vietnam are now translating these webinars to provide needed support to the families in the region.
Did you know we publish a bi-monthly e-newsletter for obstetricians, nurses, and physicians? The newsletter, Clinical Research in Autism, lists peer-reviewed studies relevant to their practices. These studies include risks and diagnosis as well as health-related and treatment issues. Please tell your healthcare providers about this free e-newsletter. They can sign up at www.ClinicalResearchInAutism.com.
I am deeply saddened to report that Gloria Rimland, Dr. Bernard Rimland's wife, passed away recently. She was next to Dr. Rimland's side throughout his nearly 50 years of pioneering research and advocacy, and I knew her for over 40 years. We will miss her dearly.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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Bullying significantly increases suicidality in teens with ASD |
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According to a new study, bullying is a significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
To zero in on the effects of bullying, the researchers controlled for the presence of co-occurring psychiatric conditions and a number of other sociodemographic and clinical factors.
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Early onset of puberty a common finding in girls with ASD |
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Girls with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) tend to enter puberty at an earlier age than neurotypical girls, according to a new study. Measuring the onset of puberty based on the development of genitalia and pubic hair, the researchers found “significantly earlier pubertal development in females with ASD but not males.”
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Participate in Research:
Seeking families who have boy and girl siblings diagnosed with ASD
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Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Autism Research Institute are seeking families to participate in this study who have both boy and girl siblings with autism. These families will be mailed stool kits with instructions and will be asked to collect samples. A brief medical history will be taken. Please contact Harland Winter, M.D., by phone 617-724-2004, or email, for additional information, and enrollment details. |
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ARI Webinar 2/24:
The Role of Neurotransmitters in GI Disorders Related to Autism
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Tune in to learn about research exploring the role enteric neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin and oxytocin, play in the enteric nervous system (ENS).
Presented by Kara Gross Margolis, MD, Columbia University|
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ARI Webinar 3/3:
Hippotherapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Hippotherapy is a form of therapy in which a horse's characteristic movements provide carefully graded motor and sensory input.
Presented by Chelsea Whitaker, OTR/L, Founder & COO of Taking the Lead
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ARI director, international experts to speak on aging and ASD
Exploring Aging and Autism - free online panel 2/24
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Tune in for presentations and live Q&A on the unique challenges that autistic individuals face as they age. |
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Studies of autistic adults, especially those who are seniors, have been limited. Tune in at 5 pm Eastern Time (US), February 24th, as researchers―including ARI's Executive Director, Steve Edelson―share findings and discuss topics including dementia, diabetes, GI issues, Parkinson's, and improving quality of life for autistic seniors.
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COVID-19 resources and coping stories |
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Did you our recent webinar on supporting individuals with anxiety and ASD during the pandemic? Watch the playback now on our COVID-19 Resource page.
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Navigating the second year of Covid-19: ARI's live webinars, social stories |
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Researchers are counting on us |
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You can support research while you shop
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Thanks to You,
researchers are receiving precious funding!
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Thank you for believing in the power of research and education. Without you, none of it is possible.
Awareness Month is just around the corner, if you plan to give, thank you for keeping ARI on your list.
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