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Greetings!
We are always very busy at ARI, particularly in June when our Scientific Advisory Board launches ARI's annual Scientific Grant Program. Every year, this dedicated group awards funding to investigators focused on promising new areas of biomedical research that have the potential to advance the health of autistic people. We will be announcing this year's recipients and the studies they will be leading later this year. We are grateful to the clinicians and researchers who volunteer their time each year to support this vital effort.
The latest issue of the Autism Research Review International (ARRI) is out now and includes my new editorial, "Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Autism". This editorial discusses the various aspects of FMT, describes potential benefits, and outlines critical issues that must be addressed. The ARRI is now available for free online at www.ARRIonline.org.
Items from the National Autism History Museum will be on display at the Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library, 215 W. Washington Street, San Diego, from June 1st to August 31st. If you are in the area this summer, stop by and visit the library or the National Autism History Museum itself.
ARI's research grants, think tanks, publications, outreach, and educational programs are are made possible by the generous support of donors. If you would like to contribute, please visit Autism.org for more information. Questions? Email us.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
| | ARI announces new Board of Directors officers | | At their quarterly meeting, ARI's Board of Directors elected two new new officers. We are grateful to Ms. Barnhill, Dr. Natowicz, and the rest of our board for their continued support of ARI and many years of service. | | |
Board Chair, Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN
Johnson Center for Child Health & Development
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Board Secretary, Marvin Natowicz, M.D., Ph.D.
Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
| | Editorial – Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Autism | | | | Over the past several years, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) has become the subject of growing interest in the autism community due, at least in part, to the increased awareness of the gut-brain relationship. Along with its possible significance, however, there are concerns regarding its safety and the need for evidence-based research to establish its effectiveness. This editorial discusses the various aspects of FMT, describes potential benefits, and outlines critical issues that must be addressed. | | New Webinar Summaries on Autism.org | | | | |
Food and Sleep
Vicki Kobliner, RDN, CD-N, describes nutritional and lifestyle strategies to improve sleep and overall health for autistic people. She discusses circadian rhythms and balancing cortisol and melatonin cycles throughout the day. Kobliner emphasizes the connection between diet and sleep and highlights critical nutrients for balanced sleep cycles. She lists valuable herbs and supplements and summarizes the presentation before the Q&A session.
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Sleep Issues and Autism
Dr. Beth Malow provides the latest research on the causes of sleep issues in autism and effective treatment strategies. She describes the complex relationship between genetic, medical, and behavioral factors and how they all impact sleep cycles across the lifespan. She emphasizes behavioral strategies for sleep, underscoring their impact on daily functioning and social/family interactions. Malow also reviews recent studies on pharmacological sleep strategies and highlights the need for professional guidance when considering medications.
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The Autism Research Review International (ARRI) -
New Spring 2024 Issue is Online Now
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In 2023, our Board of Directors envisioned increasing ARI's impact by expanding access to ARI's award-winning quarterly journal, Autism Research Review International (ARRI). For nearly four decades, the journal has been available in print and, more recently, electronically (PDF). But as part of our mission to democratize information about autism, we knew we needed to do more.
Over the past several months, ARI's staff has been working to make this vision a reality, and we are pleased to announce that the Autism Research Review International is now available online for free at www.ARRIOnline. The Spring 2024 edition is out now.
The print journal is still available by subscription for those who prefer it. Subscribe to Print - ARRI (arrionline.org).
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Research on autism and sexual identity suggests that people with autism may be more likely to identify as LGBTQ+. We hope these resources from around the web are helpful to the LGBTQ+ members of the autism community and those who support them.
| | From ARRI: Lifelong care needs impact family members’ quality of life | | | | |
Parents and other relatives often provide lifelong support for adults with autism, and a new study from Germany suggests that this support impacts the family members’ mental and physical health.
Sophia Dückert and colleagues note, “Family caregivers of autistic adults represent a highly under-recognized population in clinical research, healthcare, society, and policy."
| | | From ARRI: Ketogenic diet may reduce seizures by changing microbiome | | | | More than a century ago, physicians at Johns Hopkins University discovered that a strict ketogenic diet—very high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates—could reduce seizures in a sizable percentage of children with treatment-refractory epilepsy (a problem for a significant number of children with autism). Now, scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles report that the diet may work by altering the gut microbiome in ways that protect against seizures. | | | Participants needed: Dr. Lauren Moskowitz, a frequent ARI webinar presenter on challenging behaviors and anxiety, is seeking participants for a research study on the effectiveness of an online parent training program for parents of children with autism and co-occurring Intellectual Disability. | | |
University-based investigators frequently 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.
| | Register for Upcoming Free Webinars | | |
ARI Webinar 6/3*:
Gender, Sexuality,
and Autism
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ARI board member Dr. Wenn Lawson discusses sexuality, gender, and autism.
Presented by
Wenn Lawson, Ph.D.
Birmingham University, UK
*Special Day & Time -
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
6/3/24
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ARI Webinar 6/5:
Autism
and Trauma
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Dr. Connor Kerns discusses emerging findings on the relationship between trauma and autism.
Presented by
Dr. Connor Kerns
The University of British Columbia
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
6/5/24
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ARI Webinar 6/12
Blood-brain barrier dysfunction in Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Regulation
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Tune in to learn research updates on blood-brain barrier dysfunction in PANS and Regulation.
Presented by
Noor A. Hussein, Ph.D.
Ayan Mondal, Ph.D.
Stanford University
1 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)
6/12/24
| | Making a Difference in 2024 and beyond | | Learn about how our work directly supports our community—read ARI"s latest Impact Report. | | |
Our work is made possible by your support!
The need for impactful research and education far exceeds the funds available in our community. If you plan to contribute to support autism research and education in 2024, please consider a gift to ARI.
| Give with confidence: ARI has once again received Charity Navigator's highest "4-star" rating and a "Platinum" rating for transparency from Guidestar. | | | | | |
