Monthly News | November 2020 |
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Greetings!
The holiday season is upon us, and in typical times this can be a joyful yet stressful for people on the spectrum and their families. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting so many aspects of our lives, I want to wish everyone a very peaceful and healthy start to the busy weeks ahead.
Here at ARI, we continue to serve our community as best we can in these unprecedented circumstances. Since much of our organization’s programming relies on technology to connect professionals, researchers, and parents, we have stepped up this work by sponsoring extra webinars, organizing COVID-19 resources, and completing our rigorous grant review and award process. We have also expanded our international outreach efforts to 27 countries and published a new multidisciplinary book on anxiety, and we continue to keep up-to-date with the latest research by reaching out to many of the top scientists in the field. We are grateful to be in a situation that allows us to continue to serve the autism community during this pandemic.
Preparations are now underway for our year-end giving campaign. We know these are not easy times for many, but if you plan to give, thank you for considering a donation to ARI.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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Many of our holiday traditions and plans will be different this year. ARI has resources to help. |
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New Book on Anxiety in Autism |
A new book, Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism, is now available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers and on Amazon.com. The book is edited by ARI’s executive director, Stephen M. Edelson and past ARI Board member, Jane B. Johnson, and consists of chapters written by leading experts in the autism field. Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism summarizes the current perspectives and research on anxiety, including neurological, medical, immunological, gastrointestinal, nutritional, sensory, and behavioral concerns. |
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Earlier this year, ARI began networking parent support groups worldwide. The goal is to improve communication among support groups and to inform the international community of the current state of the science regarding the underlying biology of ASD, as well as evidence-based treatments. If you are a representative of a parent network group, please email our outreach coordinator. Please include your website address and/or a brief summary of your mission.
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Giving Tuesday is December 1st |
In our 53-year history, we have never faced a crisis like COVID-19. If not for donors, researchers would have to stop their investigations. We know you hear from many worthy organizations on #GivingTuesday in December—thanks for keeping ARI on your list. Pledge or donate
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“Genetic wrinkles” in DNA may explain some cases of ASD |
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Researchers in Canada report that expanded tandem DNA repeats—what they dub “genetic wrinkles” in DNA—may play a
significant role in autism. A new technique invented by study authors allowed the researchers to search for specific characteristics within DNA itself and compare patterns found in individuals with ASD to their parents or other controls.
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Wearing compression garments may improve behavior, posture |
Full-body compression garments may significantly improve the posture and behavior of some individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), according to a new study. Vincent Guinchat and colleagues note that compression garments are already used for individuals with joint hypermobility, including those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome—a
syndrome sometimes associated with autism. In this study, the researchers explored whether the garments would also benefit individuals with ASD, severe behavior problems, and severe proprioceptive dysfunction (SPD).
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Survey of the Experiences of Moms During Covid-19 Seeks Participants |
Suffolk University seeks participants for an online survey that aims to understand the experiences of mothers who are parenting individuals diagnosed with autism during the Covid-19 pandemic. Suffolk reached out to ARI for assistance reaching mothers who may wish to participate.
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SYNCHRONY 2020 ONLINE Continues: International Symposium on Translational Research in Autism
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Are you a primary care provider for individuals with autism? Primary care physicians, advance practice nurses, and physician assistants are invited to participate in online sessions focused on research and treatment for those with autism. |
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Free Webinar 11/16:
Holiday Considerations for Families During COVID-19
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Tune in for tips on coping with the holiday season during the pandemic. Presented by Ally Jordan, Ph.D., Christine Hoffkins, M.Ed., BCBA, Lisa Latten, MS Ed, Caitlin LeGros, CNM, MSN, and Lisa Luxemberg, LMSW
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Free Webinar 11/18:
Telehealth Strategies for Early Intervention
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Learn about how the telehealth Early Start Denver Model looks to parents and caregivers as partners to support individuals with autism. Presented by Laurie Vismara, PhD, author of An Early Start for Your Child with Autism. |
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COVID-19 resources and coping stories |
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Have you seen our new back-to-school online social story? Download your free copy now on our COVID-19 Resource page.
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Coping with COVID-19: ARI's Live Webinars, Social Stories Help Families Cope |
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Researchers are Counting on Us |
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This holiday season 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. Times like these remind us of how interconnected we all are. Without you, none of it is possible.
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