Monthly News | November 2024 | |
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Hello Administrators,
This month began with live educational webinars, and this week, we have our annual Online Scientific Symposium. This international conference features live presentations and discussions to provide researchers with updates on metabolic issues, co-occurring gastrointestinal conditions, and genetics. We are also pleased to announce many of the recipients of ARI's 2024 research grants. We plan to announce more in the near future.
It is hard to believe that the holiday season is just around the corner. I know this can be a joyful and stressful time for people on the spectrum and their families. For some quick links and tips to cope, see holiday planning suggestions on the ARI website.
Many organizations will be reaching out for year-end support in the coming weeks; if you plan to give, thanks for believing in the importance of autism research and education and keeping ARI in mind.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
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2024 ARI Research Grants Announced | | |
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2024 recipients selected thus far have been awarded $500,000 in grants to fund innovative research that holds realistic promise for impacting the lives of autistic people. In order to provide the autism community with an independent, unbiased assessment of causal and treatment efficacy issues, ARI does not accept financial support from government agencies or drug manufacturers. | |
ARI Team Spotlight - Meaghan Weldele de Oliveira | | |
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Meaghan has worked as a content consultant with ARI for nearly four years. She creates summaries of our expert webinars, conducts literature reviews and qualitative research on important topics in autism, advises on copy and site management, and assists ARI's board in research and online tool development. | |
Holidays are Approaching - Some Tips and Tricks to Help | | |
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Autumn and the holiday season bring joys – and potential challenges – for many of us. With disrupted routines, travel, house guests, and new foods and experiences abounding, it can be completely overwhelming. Tips, tricks, recipes, and activities are plentiful online; here is a list of resources from around the web that can help you plan for the festivities.
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Items from ARI's Autism History Museum on Display | |
Webinar Summaries and Playback on Autism.org | | |
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The Low-Hanging Fruit: Exploring Monogenic Syndromes with Elevated Rates of Autism
Dr. Daniel Vogt, Ph.D., explores monogenic syndromes and what they can tell us about the underlying causes of autism. He describes signaling pathways critical in early development, highlighting the electrical nature of cell communication and function.
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Gender, Sexuality, and Autism
Wenn Lawson, Ph.D., delves into the intersection of autism, sexuality, and gender. He describes monotropism as a theory of attention and addresses common sex differences in autism. Gender dysphoria, its biological and physiological underpinnings, and its prevalence and impact on autistic individuals are discussed. Lawson highlights the need for autism-specific sexual education and walking with autistic people as they discover their gender identities.
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From ARRI:
Chronic fatigue risk higher in young adults with autism, ADHD
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Researchers in the United Kingdom report that individuals with neurodivergent traits—for instance, those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—are at elevated risk for developing chronic fatigue by the time they reach adulthood. | | |
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From ARRI:
Levels of folate and B12 are low in children with autism
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A research analysis showed that levels of serum folate and vitamin B12 in children with autism were significantly lower than levels in controls. In addition, they say, serum folate levels in children with ASD correlated with gross and fine motor developmental scores, and serum vitamin B12 levels correlated with scores for adaptive behavior, fine motor skills, and language development. | | |
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 for Free Fall Webinars | |
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ARI Webinar 11/20:
Research Updates:
GI Symptoms & Behavior
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Tune in for research updates on the connection between gastrointestinal symptoms and behavior in individuals with autism.
Presented by
Bradley Ferguson, Ph.D.
University of Missouri
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
11/20/24
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ARI Webinar 12/4:
Self-Regulation Strategies for Self-Injury
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Tune in to learn about the benefits of teaching self-regulation strategies for self-injurious behavior in individuals with autism.
Presented by
Emily Ferguson, Ph.D.
Stanford University
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
12/4/24
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ARI Webinar 12/11:
Understanding Autism: From Confusion to Awareness
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Learn about the impact and history of autism diagnosis and awareness over the past 60 years.
Presented by
Paul Shattock
World Autism Organisation
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
12/11/24
This webinar is a joint presentation with the WAO
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Making a Difference in 2024 and beyond | |
Give with confidence: ARI continues to receive Charity Navigator's highest "4-star" rating and a "Platinum" rating for transparency from Guidestar. | |
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Save the date: Giving Tuesday is December 3rd.
With your help, we're moving research forward.
Arriving after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a day when people everywhere come together to support the causes and communities that mean so much to us all.
When you support us, you send a message that you care about ARI's independent legacy and value objective research conducted free of influence. We know you hear from many worthy charities—thanks for keeping ARI on your list.
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