October was a busy month for all of us at ARI. We continued our monthly meeting of experts who discuss issues often faced during one's elderly years. This period can be very challenging for many on the autism spectrum.
We also continued our live webinars and ended the month with our first-ever online scientific meeting featuring researchers sharing updates and findings on various topics. This three-day meeting included investigations on prenatal stress; subtyping autism; mitochondrial dysfunction, environmental toxins; dysregulation of gastrointestinal, immunological, and metabolic systems; and a discussion of medically related concerns associated with ASD in adults and seniors.
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.
We know you will hear from many deserving charities this time of year—if you plan to give, thanks for keeping ARI on your list.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
ARI News and Research Updates
2021 ARI Research Grant Recipients Announced
Autism research must continue despite the changes and disruptions caused by the pandemic, and we are pleased to announce our 2021 research grant recipients. Our thanks to our volunteers and Scientific Advisory Panel members for their support with the review and approval process. We look forward to exciting findings in the year to come.
The pandemic's effects on researcher productivity, mental health
A recent poll found that research output fell for many researchers last year. Scientists who do not work on COVID-related projects reported that their new publications and submissions dropped by 9% and 15% respectively during 2020. More troubling is that scientists overall launched fewer research projects last year, with an average drop of 26% compared with 2019.
From ARRI: Feedback, “feed-forward” loop impairments detected in ASD
The sensorimotor problems seen in many individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may involve impairments in feedback and “feed forward” loops in the brain, according to a new study.
From ARRI: Shank3 gene mutation may impair brain’s ability to distinguish self from other
Researchers studying a mutation in a gene linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) say the mutation appears to disrupt the brain’s ability to distinguish “self” from “other.”
Autumn brings its joys – and challenges – for people with autism. Special holiday food, disrupted routines, and new experiences can be 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.
Subscribe to ARRI: Stay Up to Date on the Latest Research
ARI’s award-winning Autism Research Review International (ARRI) quarterly journal helps you stay up to date with the latest research on ASD. The ARRI has received worldwide praise for its thoroughness and objectivity in reporting the current developments in biomedical and educational research.
A one-year subscription to the ARRI is $19.99 (U.S. funds; $23.99 outside the U.S. – includes shipping). Each issue is sent via first-class mail. Keep up with the latest research updates – subscribe now.
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. Give with confidence: ARI has received the 2021 platinum rating for transparency from Guidestar.
