|
Hello Administrators,
We are always very busy at ARI, particularly in June when we launch our annual Scientific Grant Program. Every year, this dedicated group awards funding to investigators focusing on promising new areas of biomedical research with the potential to improve the health of autistic people. This year's recipients and their studies will be announced later this year. We are grateful to the clinicians and researchers who volunteer their time each year to support this vital effort.
Our board and staff were in Seattle last month for ARI's 31st Scientific Think Tank. At this annual event, top researchers and clinicians convene to discuss emerging findings about co-occurring conditions and autism.
ARI's research grants, think tanks, publications, outreach, and educational programs are made possible only by the generous support of donors. If you would like to contribute, please visit Autism.org for more information. Questions? Email us.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
| | ARI Announces 2025-26 Board of Directors Officers | | | | |
During its recent Annual Meeting, the ARI Board of Directors elected its officers for the 2025–2026 term. Kelly Barnhill was re-elected as Board Chair, Dr. Robert Hendren will serve as Vice Chair, James Walker was re-elected as Treasurer, and Dr. Harland Winter was elected as Board Secretary. We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire Board of Directors for their ongoing support and many years of dedicated service to ARI.
Ms. Barnhill, Dr. Hendren, and Dr. Winter also serve on ARI’s Scientific Advisory Board
| | ARI's 31st Annual Scientific Think Tank | | | | |
Since 1995, ARI has called together experts to discuss emerging autism research at its annual Scientific Think Tank -- we marked our 31st meeting last month in Seattle, Washington.
Last month's event featured experts in medical, biomedical, and nutritional research and treatment. As always, dedicated, forward-thinking attendees participated because they are interested in engaging in groundbreaking discussions that advance research in the best interest of people with autism and their families. We are grateful for the work they do every day to help improve the health and well-being of this community.
| | 2025 ARI Scientific Research Grants | | | | ARI awards grants to fund innovative research that holds realistic promise in impacting the lives of autistic people. We have entered the review period for 2025 grants to support early-stage scientific investigations. We will announce the funded projects in an upcoming edition of this e-newsletter and describe them in detail on our website, Autism.org. During this grant cycle, we received 59 pre-applications from 12 countries. Of the 59, 23 are young investigators (post-docs, grad students, and medical students.) | | | | Research on autism and sexual identity suggests that people with autism may be more likely to identify as LGBTQ+. We hope these resources from around the web are helpful to the LGBTQ+ members of the autism community and those who support them. | | 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: Researchers identify two very different groups of children with an elevated likelihood of receiving a delayed autism diagnosis | | | | |
According to a study by researchers in Israel and the United States, these late-diagnosed children tend to fall into two distinct categories.
Dan Aizenberg and colleagues analyzed data on 23,632 autistic children included in the SPARK phenotype dataset. They detected two “robust” groups of children who received autism diagnoses after six years of age.
| | From ARRI: Parkinsonism may lower quality of life in autism | | | | Many adults with autism exhibit parkinsonism—symptoms seen in Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, slow movement, rigidity, and unstable posture—and a new study indicates that these symptoms can significantly impact their lives. | | | 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 6/4:
Externalizing behavior among children with neurodevelopmental disabilities
| |
Dr. Bottini will provide an overview of effective behavioral strategies that address needs and set up the environment for long term success.
Presented by
Summer Bottini, PhD, BCBA-D
Marcus Autism Center
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
6/4/25
| | |
ARI Webinar 6/14:
Masking in Autism -
Deconstructing the Myths
| |
Tune in for a discussion on how to achieve healthcare equity for all persons, including those with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions
Presented by
Dena Gassner, PhD
AJ Drexel Autism Institute
1:30 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
6/11/25
| | 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.
| | | | | |
