Monthly News | September 2024 | |
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Hello {First Name},
September is an exciting time here at ARI as we gear up to award our 2024 Scientific Research Grant Awards. These grants will support groundbreaking research that shows real promise for improving the lives of autistic individuals. Our vision remains steadfast—advancing inclusive research and education that pave the way for a more personalized and evolving standard of care for autistic people.
To further our mission, we are thrilled to welcome Laura Kanellos as ARI's new Director of Development. Laura brings extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and a deep passion for making a difference. She will play a key role in expanding our initiatives and supporting the innovative research that drives meaningful change.
For many, a new school year has begun, bringing both opportunities and challenges. If you're seeking guidance on collaborating with educators or strategies for a successful school year, explore our back-to-school webinar resources at Autism.org for expert insights and support.
As we approach the giving season, we understand that many deserving organizations will reach out to you. If you’re considering making a contribution, we hope you’ll keep ARI in mind. Your support fuels the research and education that are changing lives.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
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Just Released: ARI's Latest Annual Report is Online | | |
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At ARI, we believe connecting investigators, professionals, parents, and autistic people worldwide is essential for effective advocacy. Our latest annual report includes details about our research highlights, a breakdown of our expenses, a summary of our impact, and a message from our board chair. Learn about how we continue to focus on education while funding research that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of autism.
The annual report is online now – to view it, along with ARI's comprehensive financial statements, see ARI's Latest Accomplishments and Impact on our website.
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ARI Staff Update: Director of Development, Laura Kanellos | | |
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We are pleased to welcome Laura Kanellos, our newest member of the ARI team. Laura is ARI's Director of Development and she has extensive experience in strategic partnerships and organizational development. Before joining us at ARI, Laura contributed to important causes, including Multiple Sclerosis, HIV, and Cancer. | |
Items from ARI's Autism History Museum on Display | |
Editorial: Autism and the brain—the vital contribution
of postmortem research
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The biological mechanisms underlying autism remain poorly understood. This gap in knowledge can lead to suboptimal care for individuals with the disorder and, in turn, affect family members. To address this, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the brain processes involved in autism. One important way to achieve this is through postmortem brain research that is made possible through the donation of brain tissue for scientific study. | |
Webinar Summaries and Playback on Autism.org | | |
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Motor Skills and Executive Function in Autism
Megan MacDonald, Ph.D., and Megan McClelland, Ph.D., discuss emerging research on the relationship between motor skill development and executive function in autism. They define motor skills and executive function, discuss their long-term impact on health and academic success, and consider their co-development during childhood and adolescence. The speakers highlight the importance of EF and motor skills in daily life, underscoring their malleability and potential for learning and building new skills.
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Autism and Sleep – Research Updates
Dara S. Manoach, Ph.D., discusses research updates on autism and sleep. She outlines aspects of a good night’s sleep and emphasizes the role of sleep cycles in cognition, memory, and learning. The speaker considers how to treat neurodevelopmental disorders by targeting sleep spindle rhythms, which affect thalamocortical neuronal loops essential for memory and attention.
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The Autism Research Review International is Now Online | |
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From ARRI:
Study hints that nonverbal autistic people may have surprising grasp of written language conventions
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Many nonverbal or minimally verbal autistic individuals appear to have some understanding of written language conventions, according to researchers at the University of Virginia. | | |
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From ARRI:
'Earlier is better' for school programs for autistic kids
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More data indicating that early intervention is important when it comes to educational programs for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comes from a new study by researchers in Israel.
Ronit Saban-Bezalel and colleagues examined the outcomes of two groups of children with ASD after one year of attending special education classes.
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Participants needed: Researchers at The Johnson Center are seeking adults 18 and older with autism to participate in a study.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether EMDR therapy is effective in treating symptoms of traumatic or adverse experiences in adults with autism.
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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 9/11:
Food Adverse Reaction and Intestinal Microbiota
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Tune in and learn about how the daily diet significantly influences the formation and functions of intestinal microbiota.
Presented by
Prof Carmelo Rizzo, MD
Rome, Italy
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
9/11/24
This is a joint presentation by ARI and the World Autism Organisation.
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ARI Webinar 9/18:
Social Media and Neurodiversity
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Learn research updates on evidence-based strategies to support adolescents and young adults develop social skills that encourage lasting friendships.
Presented by
Xinru Page, PhD
Brigham Young University
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
9/18/24
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ARI Webinar 9/25:
Wellbeing Wins: Integrating Positive Psychology into the Autism Community
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Tune in to learn about wellbeing in autism and how the autism community can work together to promote wellbeing practices.
Presented by
Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH
Proof Positive: Autism Wellbeing Alliance
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
9/25/24
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Making a Difference in 2024 and beyond | | |
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Research is the Key to the Future
We're moving research forward
Your monthly pledge OR one-time gift of ANY size will help us continue to fund research and provide educational support to those affected by autism.
| Give with confidence: ARI continues to receive Charity Navigator's highest "4-star" rating and a "Platinum" rating for transparency from Guidestar. | | | | | |
