Monthly News | March 2025 | |
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Hello Administrators,
With Autism Science Month just around the corner, ARI's staff is working on a number of initiatives right now, including our in-person Scientific Think Tank in early May. At this annual event, top researchers and clinicians convene to discuss emerging findings on co-occurring conditions and autism.
We are also quite busy with our educational webinars, with five this month, including efforts with the World Autism Organisation. Be sure to check AutismWebinars.org to register for upcoming talks.
You may have seen recent news about research on autism symptoms and cerebral folate deficiency. ARI helped support early investigations into this link with grants in 2010 and 2017. We also offer a free webinar presented by Dr. Frye, which you can watch here. As with any evidence-based approach to managing medical symptoms, it’s essential to consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions.
You may also have seen recent news about the uncertainty in grant funding that is affecting many researchers, including graduate and post-doctoral students. At ARI, we independently award grants to support innovative research that has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic people. This includes funding for early-career researchers whose work will help shape the future of the field. If you're considering a gift to support autism research, we hope you’ll keep ARI in mind.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
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ARI Team Spotlight - Laura Kanellos | | |
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Laura Kanellos is ARI's Director of Development. She is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in strategic partnerships, and organizational development. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her degree at Seton Hall University and has built a successful career in Agile development and nonprofit management. Laura has made impactful contributions to important causes, including Multiple Sclerosis, HIV, and Cancer. | | |
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Webinar summary and playback: At the Crossroads of Infection, Inflammation, and Mental Health
Jennifer Frankovich, MD, MS, dives into the intersection of infection, inflammation, and mental health. She discusses the increasing recognition of this critical overlap over the past decade and highlights how systemic inflammatory conditions have the highest rate of co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
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Webinar summary and playback: Caregiver Strategies for Building Infant Social Interaction
Laurie A. Vismara, Ph.D., BCBA-D, R.B.A. (Ont.) details caregiver strategies for building infant social interaction. She introduces the Infant Start Manual, an extension of the Early Start Denver Model. The speaker outlines contemporary research on early-in-life autism support strategies and underscores the need for collaborative, family-centered support tactics for parents and caregivers.
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Neurodiversity Celebration Week - March 17-23 | | |
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Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organizations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognize the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. | |
From ARRI: Editorial - Autism and Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease | | |
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While research on the topic of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in autistic individuals remains limited, emerging evidence presents a complicated picture. This discussion will briefly summarize these findings and explore their potential implications. | |
From ARRI: Vitamin D Effects Explored | | |
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The researchers say, “The aggregated data suggest that vitamin D deficiency during early life may contribute to the risk of developing autism, while experimental findings reveal that vitamin D supplementation might improve core autism symptoms.” They add, “Further research should explore whether high-dose vitamin D supplementation in early pregnancy could serve as a preventative measure against autism.” | | |
From ARRI: Study Reports that COVID Pandemic Did Not Increase Odds of Autism in Children | | |
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A large-scale study by researchers in the United States suggests that maternal COVID infections during the pandemic did not increase the likelihood of children developing autism. The study also found that exposure to the overall “COVID milieu”—that is, the restrictions and societal changes that occurred during the pandemic—did not appear to have an effect on a child’s odds of developing autism. | | |
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! | |
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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.
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Register Now: Free Upcoming Webinars | |
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ARI Webinar 3/5:
Autism and Gastrointestinal Comorbidities
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Tune in for a review of gastrointestinal conditions commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, along with an update on the latest advancements and emerging treatments.
Presented by
Mojdeh Mostafavi, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital for Children
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
3/5/25
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ARI Webinar 3/11:
Autism - A Century of Discovery and Development
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Dr. Stephen M. Edelson will present an overview of the history of autism, highlighting key milestones in research, interventions, and the development of support and funding organizations.
Presented by
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
3/11/25
This is a joint presentation with the World Autism Organisation.
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ARI Webinar 3/12:
Autism and Trauma - Research Updates
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Dr. Connor Kerns will discuss current research on the prevalence, sources, and impact of traumatic experiences in autistic people.
Presented by
Dr. Connor Kerns
University of
British Columbia
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
3/12/25
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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. | |
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Our work is made possible by generous donor support.
ARI’s independent legacy and commitment to funding innovative, impactful research and education remains steadfast. Our work is dedicated to providing trusted and relevant information to parents, autistic people, and professionals worldwide.
We are here to stay, and the funding we provide for innovative research and free online webinars is critically important to the community we serve. We are honored to support the community we serve.
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