The Autism Research Institute (ARI) has a 44-year track record of pioneering and leadership in the autism field. We provide families and professionals with the information needed for making informed choices, in order to better the lives of individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum. ARI accomplishes these goals by conducting and sponsoring cutting-edge research and by disseminating these findings in many languages for the benefit of researchers and families worldwide.

Outreach

  • We sponsored two large conferences (Newark/NJ, Anaheim/CA), each with a three-day parent track, a two-day science track, two clinician seminars (levels I and II), a nutritional training seminar, and an adult track.
  • More than 200 professionals attended our clinician seminars and general conferences.
  • Autistic Global Initiative (AGI) – ARI’s adult program.
  • AGI published a quarterly e-newsletter focused on topics related to adults.

    • AGI sponsored a full-day track on adult issues in both of our major 2012 conferences (Newark & Anaheim).
    • AGI wrote a two volume, 750-page, curriculum & training for direct support providers for adults with ASD.
    • Videos on adult-related issues were posted on autism.com, with people on the spectrum, parents, & professionals.
  • Callers can reach a live person for information and support at 866.366.3361(toll free) and at 619.281.7165 (San Diego).
  • ARI sponsored several free webinars on the Internet hosting hundreds of attendees each time — we plan to expand this effort in 2013.
  • ARI moderated its popular Yahoo Internet discussion group for parents.
  • We translated several of our publications and surveys into French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and more.
  • We published a quarterly e-newsletter for individuals on the autism spectrum who are deaf/hard of hearing & blind/visually impaired.
  • We published 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.
  • Our mobile phone apps for iPhones and Droids received a major update.

Research

  • ARI awarded $240,000+ in grants to scientists whose work will have a direct or near-future impact on the lives of those on the autism spectrum.
  • We offered sponsorship to the annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) conference, one of the top scientific conferences on autism.
  • We continue to publish our quarterly science newsletter, Autism Research Review International (ARRI), which summarizes current biomedical and educational research.

  • We sponsored a think tank, attended by 36 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 to discuss issues related to treatment.

  • We support an active dialogue among researchers and clinicians in a private Internet discussion group limited to those with advanced science degrees.
  • 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 diagnosing and treating ambient visual problems.

Networking With Other Autism Organizations

  • ARI received NGO status (Non-government organization) from the United Nations earlier this year.
  • ARI, with other autism organizations, helps maintain the Global Autism Collaboration. The aim is to provide information and support to autism organizations worldwide.
  • ARI established the Global Autism Alliance with representatives from over 10 countries worldwide, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dubai, France, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria and Puerto Rico. The goal of the Alliance is to work together on specific projects related to autism awareness, assessment/evaluation, and professional and parent training.

ARI’s Accomplishments in 2020

August 18th, 2021|

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

January 1st, 2020|

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

December 6th, 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 advancing

  • ARI accomplishments, ari accomplishments 2017, autism research

ARI Accomplishments in 2017

January 1st, 2018|

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

January 1st, 2017|

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,

  • autism research

ARI Accomplishments in 2015

January 1st, 2016|

Outreach ARI now offers, in joint providership with the Cleveland Clinic, complimentary webcasts offering AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ to physicians and the general public on gastrointestinal, medical, metabolic, and neurological

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