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Hello Administrators,
ARI is dedicated to providing trusted and relevant information to the autism community worldwide. We are honored to support the community we serve.
Our online educational resources empower the community with the knowledge to advocate for research and appropriate medical care. We have had more than 1.2 million viewings on our educational YouTube Channel. If you haven't checked out our free online recordings of webinars on a wide range of topics, summer is a great time to check AutismWebinars.org to register for upcoming talks and catch up on any you may have missed. You can watch the the recordings and take the knowledge quizzes for free at any time.
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. Please tell your healthcare providers about this free e-newsletter. They can sign up at www.ClinicalResearchInAutism.com.
We hope your summer adventures are safe and fun.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
| | Report From Recent Think Tank on Aging and Autism Published | | | | As the number of older adults identified with autism and intellectual disabilities grows, it becomes increasingly important to build the capacity to meet their evolving needs. In late 2023, the Autism Research Institute co-sponsored a Think Tank in Vancouver, Canada, which brought together international experts to discuss key issues related to autism, including lived experience, caregiving, community supports, and health care. A newly released report published in BMC Proceedings summarizes the event’s findings and offers recommendations to guide future research, policy, and practice. | |
New on Autism.org: Social Stories, AI, and Autism
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Social stories are personalized narratives that help individuals navigate social situations and learn new skills. They describe a personally relevant topics, such as context, skills, achievements, or concepts, in a meaningful and safe way for the audience. Social stories break down goals, tasks, events, and behaviors into simple, easy-to-learn generalized steps.
Many AI tools can help you create your own social stories. Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude (to name a few) can create structured, personalized story text and images when given the right prompt.
| | ARRI: Research Updates at Your Fingertips | | |
Expanding access to reliable autism research has been a key priority for ARI. Under the leadership of Dr. Stephen 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: Editorial – Why Evidence-Based Autism Research Still Matters | | | | Despite societal and cultural shifts, the value of rigorous autism research remains undeniable. Approximately half of all autistic individuals face significant medical challenges, ranging from gastrointestinal issues—such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—to allergies, anxiety, metabolic dysregulation, seizures, and sleep disturbances. The prevalence and burden of these medical conditions underscore the need for ongoing, detailed scientific investigations. | | From ARRI: “Western-style” maternal diets may raise odds of ASD, ADHD | | | | |
Maternal diet during pregnancy may play a significant role in a child’s likelihood of developing an autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to research from Denmark.
The authors say, “By understanding how maternal diet influences fetal development, we can better identify the key nutrients and dietary adjustments needed to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders."
| | | Participants needed: Dr. Gregory Wallace, a past ARI webinar presenter on autism in adulthood, including executive functioning differences, eating behaviors, and aging well, is seeking autistic adult participants to complete an online study. For more info visit the study website or contact the investigators. | | |
University-based researchers often contact ARI for help 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 9/10:
Assessing and Treating Severe Behaviors
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Learn about the process of getting a behavior assessment from start to finish, plus updates on current research and strategies for treatment.
Presented by
Nathan Call, PhD, BCBA-D
Marcus Autism Center
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
9/10/25
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ARI Webinar 9/17:
Auditory Sensitivities
in Autism
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Adam Naples, PhD, a 2022 ARI research grant recipient, will share research updates on auditory sensitivities in autism.
Presented by
Adam Naples, PhD
Yale School of Medicine
1:30 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
9/17/25
| | 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 most benefits autistic individuals.
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