Monthly News | May 2020

Greetings!

The Autism Research Institute has been active during this unprecedented health and financial crisis. In late February, we adjusted our efforts and began facilitating numerous online webinars and social stories to help support daily living activities and address stress and anxiety. In addition, we continue to communicate and network with scientists regarding their research. We also began accepting initial applications for this year's research funding on the underlying causes and potential treatments for autism.

Stay safe,

Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
ARI News
Report from Think Tank on Aging and Autism Published
In 2017, we co-sponsored the first think tank in North America on aging in autism. Numerous topics were discussed, including medical co-morbidities, the need for longitudinal studies, and sensory and cognitive abilities. A summary of this international meeting was recently published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
2019 Annual Report Online Now
Learn about our efforts to look for common ground for collaboration and spearhead efforts to accelerate progress in autism research and education. Read about where your support has taken us.
ARI Executive Director Steve Edelson presenting online in late April during the Autism Challenge Conference.
Moscow Autism Challenges Conference Online: Live-Streamed this April-May
Each year, ARI sends a group of speakers to the annual Autism Challenges and Solutions Conference in Moscow, Russia. This year's event was streamed online due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
ARI's Board Adds Two New Directors
ARI's board of directors convened for its annual meeting last month and elected two new members. We are pleased to welcome Paul Meeks and James Walker to the team.

Learn more about ARI's Board of Directors
COVID-19 resources and coping stories
Coping with COVID-19: ARI's Live Webinars, Social Stories Help Families Cope
ARI has created a resource page for families, researchers, and practitioners.

• Free presentations offering evidence-based strategies to manage at home during extended school closures
• Social stories and short videos on hygiene and medical procedures
• Physician resources for managing patients diagnosed with autism
COVID-19 Social Stories - now in Espa ñol
Our COVID-19 social stories on handwashing, mask wearing, social distancing, and more are all now available in English and Español. Please share.
Life At Home: Share your Stories of Coping During the COVID-19 pandemic
Thi s year, we asked families to share photos during Autism Awareness Month. In this unprecedented time, we shared your snapshots and stories about life at home. We have truly enjoyed reading your submissions and sharing them with our community. For now, we are leaving the portal open for anyone who still wishes to share their story; we would love to hear from you!
UPCOMING WEBINARS
Free Webinar 5/20:
Home all Day: Exercise During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many families with few choices for physical activities. Tune in to learn about the need for movement and sensory integration, and tips for exercises.
Free Webinar 5/27:
Prenatal Nutrition During COVID-19
Learn about precautions to consider from a nutritional perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic & steps for optimizing preconception and prenatal health through good nutrition.
Research Updates
ARI’s Research Grant Application Open
The Autism Research Institute (ARI) conducts, sponsors, and supports research on the underlying causes of, and treatments for, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This year ARI requires approval of a pre-application prior to submitting a research proposal for consideration of fundi ng. ARI research grants are made possible through generous donor support.
Participate in Research: Screening ASD Risk in Newborns With a Drop of Blood
Can a new test of 1000 chemicals in a dried blood spot help to predict the future risk of autism? Researchers are seeking participants ages 3-10 for phase II of a newborn risk study.
Making a Difference in 2020 and Beyond
Research is the Key to the Future 
We're moving research forward
When you support us, you send a message that you care about ARI's independent legacy, and value objective research conducted free of influence. We know you hear from many worthy charities—thanks for keeping ARI on your list.
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