Monthly News | April 2025 | | |
Hello Administrators,
Today marks the beginning of Autism Science Month, a time to highlight the latest developments in autism research and reaffirm our commitment to evidence-based progress. At ARI, we stand with advocates around the world to advance understanding and ensure that research translates into meaningful support for autistic individuals and their families.
Tomorrow, World Autism Awareness Day will bring global attention to autism, encouraging informed discussions about early screening, diagnosis, and intervention. But awareness alone is not enough—rigorous science must guide the way forward.
Throughout April, our webinars will explore key issues in autism science. We are also preparing for our annual Scientific Think Tank in early May, where leading researchers and clinicians will convene to discuss emerging findings, particularly on co-occurring conditions and their impact on the health of autistic individuals.
In a time of complex discussions around autism research, we remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and investigations that make a real difference. Science must serve the community it studies, and we continue to work to ensure that it does.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
| | World Autism Awareness Day! | | | | |
On World Autism Awareness Day—and every day—we recognize the dedication of families, caregivers, and advocates who support autistic individuals in countless ways.
Over the next few weeks, we'll be highlighting recent research and education initiatives we've funded over the past year, including advances in research and popular webinars we've hosted with links to resources on our website at Autism.org.
Meaningful progress happens when science and community come together, and we’re honored to be part of this journey with you.
| | Our Latest Impact Report - Out Now | | | | |
Discover how our work is making a difference—read ARI's latest Impact Report, available now.
At ARI, our mission is clear: to advance autism research and education that lead to real-world solutions. We fund and support studies on genetics, neurology, co-occurring medical conditions, nutrition, sensory processing, severe and challenging behaviors, and issues affecting autistic adults and seniors. By advancing science and sharing knowledge, we empower individuals, families, and professionals with the tools they need to improve health, well-being, and quality of life.
| | Check out the latest: Updates on Autism.org | | | | |
Webinar summary and playback: Wellbeing Wins: Integrating Positive Psychology into the Autism Community
Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, and Katie Curran, MAAP, introduce Proof Positive – The Autism Well-Being Alliance. The speakers describe positive psychology, its impact on well-being, and why it matters for autistic people and their communities.
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Webinar summary and playback: Research Updates - GI Symptoms & Behavior
Bradley Ferguson, PhD, a 2024 research grant recipient, discusses emerging research on the interaction of GI symptoms and stress in autism. He outlines recent investigations highlighting the connection between GI issues, cortisol levels, and internal and external behaviors.
| | ARRI: Research Updates at Your Fingertips | | |
Expanding access to reliable autism research has been a key priority for ARI. Under the leadership of Dr. Edelson and ARI’s Board of Directors, we have worked to expand the reach of our award-winning quarterly journal, The Autism Research Review International. In 2024, this vision became a reality. ARRI is now available online at ARRIOnline.org, while the print edition remains available by subscription for those who prefer a hard copy.
We invite you to explore ARRI online and stay informed on the latest developments in autism research.
| | From ARRI: Three studies report wide-ranging benefits of exercise in ASD | | | | A growing body of research indicates that exercise can benefit autistic individuals in ways that extend beyond physical health, and three new studies add to this evidence. | | From ARRI: Multilingualism may improve executive function, core symptoms in autism | | | | Multiple studies indicate that fluency in two or more languages confers cognitive benefits, particularly involving executive function (EF) skills such as planning, organizing, controlling emotions, shifting between tasks, and inhibiting inappropriate actions. | | | Participants needed: We’re seeking input from individuals with lived experience, families, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and professionals who have insights on autism and intellectual disability in aging adults. Help shape better support and resources for older Autistic adults and/or those with intellectual disabilities. The survey only takes 10 minutes, but your input can make a lasting difference! | | |
University-based researchers often contact ARI for help in finding research participants to add valuable data to our understanding of autism.
Research topics range from sibling differences to school experiences, trauma, adult issues, and more.
| | Register Now: Free Upcoming Webinars | | |
ARI Webinar 4/2:
Research Updates: Self-Regulation Strategies for Self-Injury
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Tune in to learn research updates related to self-regulation strategies for self-injury.
This is a follow up to Dr. Ferguson's 2024 webinar.
Presented by
Emily Ferguson, Ph.D.
Stanford University
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
4/2/25
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ARI Webinar 4/16:
Treatment of Elopement: Safety Tips and Considerations in Programming
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Elopement, running or wandering away from supervision, is an incredibly dangerous behavior that is common among autistic youth. This talk will review prevention and safety strategies that parents and providers can implement to reduce the risk associated with elopement.
Presented by
Mindy Scheithauer, PhD, BCBA-D
Emory University
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
4/16/25
| | Making a Difference in 2025 | | Give with confidence: ARI continues to receive Charity Navigator's highest "4-star" rating, a "Platinum" rating for transparency from Guidestar and a "Top Rated" badge from Great NonProfits. | |
Advancing Autism Research with Integrity and Impact
At ARI, our commitment to funding innovative and meaningful autism research and education remains unwavering.
We maintain our independence by operating without government grants or direct funding from pharmaceutical companies.
Instead, we rely on the generosity of donors to sustain our mission. As our founder, Dr. Bernard Rimland, often said, “Research that makes a difference!”—a reminder to always prioritize research that benefits autistic individuals the most.
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