We at the Autism Research Institute (ARI) are proud of our 46-year history of leadership in the autism community. Much of our efforts are focused on networking with parents and the professional and global autism community; supporting, encouraging, and funding research on underlying cause(s) and most effective interventions; and disseminating up-to-date information throughout the global community. Since its founding by autism pioneer and parent advocate, Dr. Bernard Rimland, ARI has committed to providing families and those on the autism spectrum with the accurate and trustworthy information needed to make informed and reasonable choices.

Autistic Global Initiative (AGI) – ARIs Adult Program

  • AGI publishes a quarterly e-newsletter focused on topics related to adults.
  • AGI premiered a 12-week comprehensive course on daily living/residential course training for direct support providers for adults on the autism spectrum. Since its launch in August, over 400 people worldwide have taken the online course.

Outreach

  • We are developing an Internet portal on employment for those on the spectrum, parents, and potential employers. The website will provide relevant information and guidance on finding and preparing for a job. The website, www.autism.jobs, will begin in December or January, 2014.
  • Parents and professionals can reach a live person for information and support at 866.366.3361(toll free) and at 619.281.7165 (San Diego).
  • ARI has started sponsoring two or more free webinars on the Internet each month. The topics include diet, nutrition, ABA, assessment, educational therapies, adults, and much more. Earlier this year we organized a website consisting of archived videos as well as a schedule for upcoming seminars. See www.AutismWebinars.com.
  • Along with the MIND Institute and Autism Speaks, ARI sponsored a half-day conference titled Immunological Factors, Genes, and the Environment in Autism. The conference was broadcast live over the Internet.
  • We moderate several Yahoo Internet discussion groups for parents.
  • We translate many of our publications and surveys into French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and other languages.
  • We publish a quarterly e-newsletter focused on individuals on the autism spectrum who are deaf/hard of hearing and blind/visually impaired.
  • We publish a bimonthly e-newsletter titled Clinical Research in Autism for obstetricians, pediatricians and nurses who want to keep up-to-date with research relevant to their practice.

Research

  • ARI awarded $260,000 in grants to scientists whose work will have a direct impact on the lives of those on the autism spectrum. The funds supported research in immune, gastrointestinal, metabolic, neurologic, and sensory issues.
  • Since the mid-1960s, ARI has been collecting data regarding developmental history and symptoms. A recent analysis of over 40,000 cases revealed 10 to 12 subtypes of autism. We began a follow-up study this year to see if we can replicate these findings.
  • We continue to publish our quarterly science newsletter, Autism Research Review International (ARRI), which summarizes current medical, sensory, and educational research.
  • We sponsored a major think tank, attended by researchers and experienced medical clinicians. In order to make considerable progress in the field, ARI knows it is critical for scientists and experienced clinicians to meet and discuss issues related to treatment. We also organized a think tank consisting of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
  • We support an active dialogue among researchers and clinicians in a private Internet discussion group limited to those with advanced science degrees and extensive autism experience.
  • ARI helps fund three tissue banks, including a whole-body tissue bank for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the University of Maryland, a gastrointestinal tissue bank at the Digestive Function Laboratory Repository at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and a control sample specimen bank at the Pfeiffer Medical Center.
  • Dr. Edelson, ARI’s director, worked on several research projects this year, consisting of studies on subtyping autism, self-injurious behavior, and understanding and treating vision and hearing dysfunction.

Networking With Other Autism Organizations

  • ARI is an NGO (non-government organization) of the United Nations (UN). During autism awareness day, ARI sponsored two discussion panels at the UN.
  • ARI sponsored conferences this year in Colombia, Ghana, Russia, the Philippines, and the Ukraine.
  • ARI, with other autism organizations, helps maintain the Global Autism Collaboration. The aim is to provide information and support to autism organizations worldwide.
  • Since our founding in 1967 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, ARI has been dedicated to improving the quality of lives for families and individuals with autism spectrum disorders. We rely on the generosity of donors in order to continue helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and to advance autism research. We need and appreciate your support.

ARI’s Accomplishments in 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic upended many lives, and the need to provide meaningful support while sustaining research has been as important as ever.  While the causes of ASD remain unclear, recent scientific advances challenge

ARI’s Accomplishments in 2019

At ARI, we have always been mindful of the needs of those on the autism spectrum and their family members. Their support over the past five decades has magnified our focus on

  • ARI accomplishments, ari accomplishments 2018

ARI Accomplishments in 2018

At ARI, we have always been mindful of the needs of those on the autism spectrum and their family members. Their support over the past five decades has magnified our focus on advancing

  • ARI accomplishments, ari accomplishments 2017, autism research

ARI Accomplishments in 2017

Advancing an ambitious research agenda while providing the latest science-based information for people of all ages on the spectrum is our focus at the ARI. In 2017 we did so through our annual

  • ARI accomplishments, ari accomplishments 2016, autism research

ARI Accomplishments in 2016

Research ARI awarded more than $400,000 in grants to scientists whose work will have a direct impact on the lives of those on the autism spectrum. The funds supported research in immune, gastrointestinal,

ARI Accomplishments in 2014

General Accomplishments SCIENCE NEWSLETTER One of Dr. Rimland's main goals was to update the autism community about research in the areas of behavioral, medical, education, sensory, and genetic issues. He started to

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