The Autism Science Foundation invites applications for its Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Awards from graduate students, medical students and postdoctoral fellows interested in pursuing careers in basic and clinical research relevant to autism spectrum disorders. The full Request for Applications can be found at the link below HERE.
The Autism Science Foundation will hold an informational webinar regarding this RFA on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 12:00pm EST. The webinar will outline best practices for completing the application. Participation on the webinar is NOT required for application. Please register at the GoToWebinar link HERE.
Applications are due December 3, 2018 at 5:00 pm EST.
ASF Undergraduate Fellow Publishes Findings on
Brain Activity in Autism
Samuel Tomlinson (Courtesy Samuel Tomlinson)
ASF Undergraduate Grantee '14 Samuel Tomlinson was among the researchers at the Yale Child Study Center who
found certain brain activity was associated with autistic traits in typically developing people. The study assessed autistic traits in 37 typically developing individuals using the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire and found behavioral rigidity was significantly associated with brain activity observed at rest using electroencephalography (EEG). The findings suggest that distinguishing brain activity associated with specific autistic behavior, like restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs), may be possible.
You can read the open-access research in Scientific Reportshere.
Autism Sisters Project
Highlighted in
Smithsonian Magazine
The Bak and Lopes Family (Courtesy Evee Bak)
The Smithsonian Magazine reported on the story of the Bak and Lopes family and the Autism Sisters Project, an ASF scientific initiative determined to understand the disparity of autism diagnoses between boys and girls and the potential female protective effect. Through the study of the unaffected sisters of people with autism, the goal is to build a large genetic database that researchers can use to explore this phenomenon and discover how the protective factor can be harnessed to help people with autism of both sexes. Additionally, the project aims to study and understand the differences across the lifespan between males and females with autism and their family members.
You can read the Smithsonian Magazine article here.
You can learn more about the Autism Sisters Project here.
Mark your calendar for the autism community's sixth annual TED-style science conference. TED talks are thoughtful, 15-minute distillations of critical issues. On March 27, 2019, Dr. Josh Gordon, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, will kick-off the Day of Learning talks with an overview of the current state of autism research.
The event is a wonderful time for autism families and advocates to get together and enjoy fall in beautiful Westchester County while supporting autism science. The event will now include a 5K walk, perfect for all types of families and people who just don't like to bike. You can participate in the event the way you like.
Come out and join us as a rider, walker, or volunteer on Saturday, October 13!
Your support makes ASF's scientific initiatives possible. Donations to ASF n
ot only help to advance scientific progress, they give families challenged by autism the gift of hope. Consider making a tax-deductible donation today.
