Monthly News | January 2022
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Greetings!
We hope the start of the new year has been a good one for you and your family. As always, we've hit the ground running this month. We are looking forward to this year's research grant program, scientific meetings, and international outreach.
We resumed our free, online webinars earlier this month, starting with a joint presentation with the World Autism Organisation featuring neurologist Margaret Bauman, MD. Dr. Bauman is a true pioneer in the autism field and is still one of its leading medical researchers. She discussed the critical need for medical care for adults and seniors, including mammograms, prostate exams, diabetes screenings, and assessments of age-related conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and tardive dyskinesia. She also described how co-occurring, lifelong conditions like anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and sleep disturbances might worsen autism symptoms as individuals age. If you didn't have a chance to attend, it's not too late - you can watch the playback and take the knowledge quiz at AutismWebinars.org.
We know that ongoing disruptions continue to present difficulties for some. We are deeply grateful to those who contributed to ARI during our 2021 year-end campaign, as well as those who have supported us throughout the years.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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ARI News and Research Updates |
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New Editorial from Dr. Edelson:
Planning for the Future of Autism Research
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"As a result of the slowdown in autism research over the past two years due to the pandemic, we have an opportunity to re-evaluate our current understanding of autism and decide where we want to go in the future. This is our chance to construct a roadmap that will allow us to reach two crucial goals: completing our understanding of autism, and determining how best to help individuals on the autism spectrum. But to create this roadmap, we will need to change the status quo." |
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From ARRI: Role of the habenula in autism spectrum disorders explored
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A new study suggests that a small brain region called the habenula may play a role in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
The habenula is a pea-sized structure located near the thalamus. This structure, Jürgen Germann and colleagues say, “has been identified as the central structure modulating the reward value of social interactions, behavioral adaptation, sensory integration, and circadian rhythm.” All of these, they note, are altered in ASD.
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From ARRI: Study hints at an association between maternal exposure to flame retardant chemicals and ASD
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A new animal study suggests that maternal exposure to a class of fire-retardant chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) may play a role in autism. |
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CDC: Study found prevalence of 1 in 44 in a cohort of 8-year-olds |
With so much going on during the holiday season, some may have missed the CDC's announcement about autism prevalence. In an analysis of 2018 data from nearly a dozen states, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that among 8-year-olds, 1 in 44 had been diagnosed with autism.
Note: An eblast sent last month should have stated that the CDC study above applied to 8-year-olds; it incorrectly mentioned a broader age range. Our apologies for the error.
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Subscribe to ARRI: Stay Up to Date on the Latest Research
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ARI’s award-winning Autism Research Review International (ARRI) quarterly journal helps you stay updated about the latest research on ASD. The ARRI has received worldwide praise for its thoroughness and objectivity in reporting current biomedical and educational research.
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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. |
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Participate in Research - Visit Autism.org |
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Take part in a new research survey that compares how children ages 11-18 with and without autism experience the world around them.
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Participate in research - many investigators are seeking 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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This is a joint presentation by ARI and The World Autism Organisation. |
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Playback online now: Challenges of Medical Care for Seniors
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Learn about the many challenges those aging with autism face, from neurologist Margaret Bauman, M.D. Topics include:
- Diagnosis in adult and senior years.
- Preventative screenings, such as those for prostate, breast, and cervical cancer.
- Medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes.
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In addition to providing the necessary support to raise a child with autism, your son/daughter may also be experiencing physical, neurodevelopmental, or mental health conditions. Many of these comorbidities, or co-occurring conditions, are common among those with autism spectrum disorder. Learning about these potential comorbidities can help you identify such conditions and have an informed discussion with your child’s physician. |
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ARI Webinar 1/26/22:
Clinical Approaches for Gluten-/Casein-Free Diets
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Learn about clinical approaches for implementing a gluten-/casein-free diet.
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Presented by Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN,
Johnson Center for Child Health and Development
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1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.) 1/26/22
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ARI Webinar 2/2/22:
Optimizing Preconception Health Through Nutrition
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Learn a nutritionist's perspective on nutritional approaches to consider while preparing to conceive.
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Presented by Vicki Kobliner, MS, RDN
Holcare Nutrition
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Noon Eastern Time (U.S.) 2/2/22
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Free certificates of participation are available upon successful completion of a brief knowledge quiz after each webinar. |
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Researchers are Counting on Us |
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Amazon Shoppers,
You can support research while you shop
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Thanks to You,
researchers are receiving precious funding!
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Thank you for believing in the power of research and education. Times like these remind us of how interconnected we all are. Without you, none of it is possible.
Give with confidence: ARI has received the 2021 platinum rating for transparency from Guidestar.
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