ARI’s Accomplishments in 2019

ARI awarded more than $220,000 in grants to fund exciting and innovative research that holds promise to impact the lives of those on the autism spectrum.

ARI expanded its Scientific Advisory Board which increases the number of leading researchers exploring all areas related to the understanding of the underlying biology of autism.

ARI sponsored forums, such as national and regional think tanks and an online discussion group, to engage scientists and practitioners in in-depth dialogue about current and opportunity to share their thoughts and findings directly with clinicians with diverse expertise. In addition, these researchers appreciate receiving practical input from experienced practitioners who often provide further insight about autism.

ARI provided researchers with advice and guidance on how to optimize their experimental designs. We also helped them recruit participants for their studies.

ARI assisted two tissue banks, including a brain tissue bank for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the University of Maryland and a gastrointestinal tissue bank at the

ARI continued publishing its quarterly science newsletter, Autism Research Review International (ARRI), where we reported on current medical, behavioral and educational research.

ARI was instrumental in completing an upcoming multidisciplinary book (publication in 2020) on understanding and treating anxiety. Contributors included leading experts in challenging behaviors, medicine, neurology, nutrition, and sensory processing.

ARI offered, in joint providership with the Cleveland Clinic, complimentary AMA PRA Category1 Credit™ to physicians. Connecting physicians to improved standards of care is crucial to amplifying understanding of the medical nature of the disorder. New talks on Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology and Genetics were released in the Fall 2019.

During Autism Awareness Month last April, ARI released a new website, Autism.org, integrating online presentations, updated content, and statistically validated diagnostic and assessment tools for all members of the autism community.

ARI published a bimonthly e-newsletter, Clinical Research in Autism, for obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses who want to keep current with research relevant to their practice.

ARI hosted live webinars featuring top researchers and treatment professionals, in partnership with The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development. Topics included research updates, diet, nutrition, ABA, assessment, educational therapies, adult issues, and much more.

ARI’s YouTube channel offered free access to presentations by top experts with up-to-date webcasts on medical support and educational videos, social stories, and talks from past conferences. Users have tuned in for more than 415,000 viewings.

ARI sponsored a telephone support line for parents and care providers seeking information.

ARI provided an opportunity for viewers of its live webinars to ask questions directly to the presenters.

ARI is an NGO (non-governmental organization) of the United Nations.

ARI translated many of its key articles, as well as its Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), into different languages. Now available in 21 languages, ARI’s ATEC is completed by more than 150 users per day.

ARI worked directly with network groups and clinicians worldwide, especially in regions where awareness and support are still in their infancy, such as Eastern Europe and South America.