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Hello Administrators,
New prevalence data released last month by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention suggests that approximately 1 in 31 four- to eight-year-olds in the U.S. may be diagnosed with autism, which marks a continued upward trajectory from the CDC’s prior estimate of 1 in 36 children in 2020. These new numbers again underscore the pressing need to fund biological research on the causes of and potential treatments for autism.
Our board and staff will be in Seattle next week for ARI's 31st Scientific Think Tank. This annual event brings together experts in medical, biomedical, and nutritional research and treatment. As always, dedicated, forward-thinking delegates will attend because they are interested in participating in discussions aimed at advancing research in the best interest of autistic people and their families. We are grateful for the work they do every day to help improve the health and well-being of people with autism.
As we look to the months ahead, I want to emphasize the importance of continued collaboration within our organization and with other research institutions, professionals, and, most importantly, the individuals and families of the autism community.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
| | Check out the latest: Updates on Autism.org | | | | |
Research Update Webinar Series
ARI’s recurring Research Update webinar series provides a unique, up-to-date look at critical issues in autism. These series cover ongoing investigations and their implications for research and care, providing families and practitioners with crucial information in a timely manner. In the ever-changing landscape of autism science, these webinar series also offer a transparent look at how our understanding of autism continues to evolve.
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Peer Support in Autism
Peer-mediated support strategies provide a framework for social group integration based on mutual respect, understanding, and care. Many school- and work-based programs show increases in mental health, social skills, and work/academic performance for both mentees and mentors across time and place.
This article describes peer support across the lifespan, benefits, and barriers to successful programs.
| | Visit ARI’s National Autism History Museum | | | | |
Dr. Beth Malow, researcher and ARI webinar presenter, recently visited ARI's National Autism History Museum. The museum features one of her sleep-tracking devices, used in a research study, as part of an exhibit highlighting advances in sleep research.
If you're visiting San Diego, consider adding ARI's museum to your list of things to see.
| | 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: Sensory, communication aids help to reduce stress in autistic individuals in medical emergencies | | | | Individuals with autism can be easily overwhelmed by sensory challenges in emergency situations, such as bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar medical personnel. According to a survey of emergency medical services (EMS) providers, the use of some simple sensory and communication aids can significantly benefit autistic patients in these situations. | | From ARRI: Children with autism view faces in a different way than their neurotypical peers | | | | Reduced likelihood of precisely looking at faces early in social visual processing may be an important feature of autism that is associated with autism-related symptomatology and may reflect reduced visual sensitivity to face information. | | | 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 5/14:
Preparing for College, Preparing for Success
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Learn about what skills/strategies students need to be successful in college and how partnerships have been forged within campuses and communities across states.
Presented by
Dr. April A. Phillips
Missouri State University
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
5/14/25
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ARI Webinar 5/21:
Healthcare Equity and Access Concerns in Autism
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Tune in for a discussion on how to achieve healthcare equity for all persons, including those with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions
Presented by
Mojdeh Mostafavi, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
5/21/25
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ARI Webinar 5/28:
Microbiome Dysbiosis in Autism: Research Grant Update
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Tune in to learn about ARI Research Grant recipient, Dr. DiCicco-Bloom’s ongoing research: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in a Gene x Environment Neurodevelopmental Disorders Model System
Presented by
Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, MD
Rutgers University
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
5/28/25
| | 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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