For Immediate Release From Autism Research Institute and Autism Speaks!
(A 10-Minute Read)
At ARI, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve the autism community. With the active involvement of our Board of Directors, Scientific Advisory Board, and volunteers, we work to support researchers and clinicians while providing trusted information and guidance to autistic individuals and their families.
One example is ARI’s free online Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior Tool
https://autism.org/understanding-autism-fr... which helps parents and professionals explore possible factors contributing to self-injurious behavior and consider interventions that may reduce or eliminate it. These behaviors can include head hitting, hand or wrist biting, hair pulling, eye poking, and excessive rubbing or scratching. Research suggests that SIB may arise for a range of reasons, and no single explanation applies to every individual.
Responses to the survey questions may provide insight into one or more possible reasons why an individual engages in SIB. Links to published studies on causes and appropriate interventions are also offered based on each user's responses to survey questions.
Empowering individuals, families, and professionals with practical tools and credible information is central to ARI’s mission. I invite you to check out opportunities to participate in research
https://autism.org/opportunities-to-partic... register for upcoming webinars
https://autism.org/upcoming-webinars/, utilize our online tools
https://autism.org/understanding-autism-fr... and watch free recordings of past talks
https://autism.org/category/webinar/. This same commitment guides our broader research efforts at ARI. Our scientific research grants
https://autism.org/ari-funded-research-stu... grants support early-stage biomedical investigations through independent scientific review and current standards of evidence. We fund exploratory work with a commitment to scientific rigor, ongoing evaluation, and scientific independence.
Thank you for your interest in ARI and for being part of the community we serve.
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
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Understanding and Treating Autism: Book Series
A new book, titled Understanding and Treating Sleep Disturbances in Autism, is now available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers. The book is edited by ARI’s chief science officer, Stephen M. Edelson, and past ARI Board member, Jane B. Johnson, and consists of chapters written by leading experts in the autism field.
Sleep disturbance is a common challenge for those on the autism spectrum and can have a profound impact on quality of life. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate features of autism such as repetitive behaviors, can affect brain growth and negatively impact immune and metabolic functions.
With contributions from pioneering researchers and clinicians, this book provides a professional understanding of the impact of sleep deprivation on autistic people. It offers insight into the latest research and available treatments, including the potential solutions offered by pharmacotherapy, using polysomnography in sleep evaluation, and the role of physical disturbances such as pain in sleep disorders. Contributing authors take an in-depth look at current behavioral interventions for sleep problems, conduct an extensive review of sensory processing in relation to sleep disturbances, and offer a discussion and analysis of the role of nutrition and dietary advice.
This is the cutting-edge resource for professionals and academics seeking further insight into sleep disturbances and autism, exploring contemporary research and setting the groundwork for the most effective methods of treatment for individuals of all ages.
You can order your copy directly from Jessica Kingsley Publishers at:
https://us.jkp.com/products/understanding-... ****
Understanding Autism – Free Online Apps
The Understanding and Treating Autism book series, from Jessica Kingsley Publishers, provides a cutting-edge resource for parents, professionals, and academics seeking further insight into the co-occurrence of sleep disturbances, anxiety, and self-injurious behavior with autism. Each book explores contemporary research and is written by experts in the autism field, edited by ARI’s chief science officer, Stephen M. Edelson, and past ARI Board member, Jane B. Johnson.
Based on this book series, ARI developed online apps for parents and practitioners. Our free questionnaires help identify potential care strategies for issues commonly associated with sleep disturbances and self-injurious behaviors related to autism at:
https://autism.org/understanding-autism-fr... ****
From ARRI: Researchers Report More Evidence Linking Autism, GI Problems
A study by U.S. researchers adds to evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are more likely than neurotypical children to experience persistent gastrointestinal problems.
Bibiana Restrepo and colleagues analyzed data collected on 322 children with ASD and 153 neurotypical controls. The children had been evaluated at up to three time points when they were between two and 12 years of age.
The researchers report, “Children with autism presented with more gastrointestinal symptoms at each time point, and they were also more likely to experience multiple and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.” Nearly half of the children in the ASD group experienced gastrointestinal symptoms at one time point, 40% experienced symptoms at two time points, and 30% experienced symptoms at all three time points. The most commonly reported symptoms were constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
In addition, the researchers say, “The presence and number of gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with greater impairment in internalizing behaviors, sleep, communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors.”
The researchers urge clinicians to ask about gastrointestinal issues during routine checkups for patients with ASD. In addition, they say, “[W]hen parents raise concerns about a new behavior problem arising, it is important to screen for gastrointestinal symptoms, as children with autism may not be able to report their symptoms at all and parent observation is the most important source of information.”
Learn more HERE:
https://arrionline.org/researchers-report-... ****
Individuals With ASD Show Greater Generosity Toward Strangers
A study by researchers in Germany and the United Kingdom supports earlier findings that compared to neurotypical individuals, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit more generosity toward people who are socially distant from them.
Paul AG Forbes and colleagues note, “Previous work suggests autistic individuals show a flatter decline in generosity towards socially distant others compared with non-autistic participants. We investigated whether this enhanced prosociality towards socially distant others in autism was driven by genuinely higher prosociality or instead a preference for repetitive responding.”
The researchers asked 37 individuals with ASD and 38 non-autistic individuals to participate in their study. Participants filled out the Social Value Orientation questionnaire, which asks participants how they would share money with other people at six different degrees of closeness (for instance, a best friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger).
“Compared with non-autistic participants,” the researchers report, “autistic participants were more generous to people they did not feel close to.” This difference, they say, was not due to repetitive responding or to any differences in attitudes about money.
The researchers note that their findings are consistent with those of two previous studies. They suggest that the generosity to strangers exhibited by participants with ASD may reflect a more consistent implementation of fairness norms by autistic individuals. “This is supported,” they say, “by the finding that autistic individuals make more consistent decisions, are more inflexible when following moral rules, and are more likely to endorse fairness as a foundational principle for their moral outlook.”
They conclude, “Our findings support an emerging view that while autistic people often face challenges navigating their social worlds, autism is associated with more prosocial behavior.”
Learn more HERE:
https://arrionline.org/individuals-with-as... ****
Participate in Studies: Share Your Experience: Help Us Understand Sibling Relationships in Autism
A new study is seeking parents of children aged 7–11 who have a sibling with autism.
Researchers at Fordham University are conducting a research study to better understand how parenting behaviors may shape sibling relationships when one child has autism. Your insights can help explore important family dynamics and improve support for families like yours.
What’s involved?
You will be asked to complete two short online surveys—one about your child with autism and one about their sibling. Your participating child (aged 7–11) will also complete a brief survey about how they perceive their relationship with their sibling with autism. The entire process takes just 20–30 minutes.
Click here to begin the survey
Why does this matter?
Sibling relationships play a crucial role in childhood development, especially when one child has autism. Parenting approaches often differ between siblings, and these differences may affect how children view and interact with each other. By participating, you will help uncover how parenting choices influence sibling closeness and dynamics in families navigating autism.
Questions?
Please see the study flyer or contact us at pf14@fordham.edu.
Happy black family laughing playing with children at home, cheerful african american parents tickling 2 mixed race kids having fun on couch, mom dad with little son daughter enjoying funny activity
Food and Feeding Questionnaire
Macie Moore, a clinical intern at The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development in Austin, Texas is conducting an independent inquiry project on food, feeding, and dietary intervention in children with ASD.
Each response is completely anonymous. Please fill out this questionnaire to help gather information for the project.
Compensation Skills in Autism
Dr. Gregory Wallace, a frequent ARI webinar presenter on autism in adulthood, including executive functioning differences, eating behaviors, and aging well, is seeking autistic adult participants to complete an online study.
You may qualify for the Compensation Skills in Autism study if you:
• Are on the autism spectrum (for example, Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, etc.), whether self-diagnosed or diagnosed by a health/educational professional
• Are at least 18 years old
• Do not have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability (Note: this does not include a learning disability, such as dyslexia)
• Live in the United States
Learn more HERE:
https://autism.org/opportunities-to-partic... ****
UPCOMING WEBINARS
COMPASS: A Caregiver–Teacher Partnership Model for Improving Outcomes in Autistic Children and Youth
Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), March 25, 2026
The Collaborative Model for Promoting Competence and Success (COMPASS) is an evidence-based consultation framework designed to enhance outcomes for autistic children and youth by strengthening caregiver–teacher partnerships. Developed by Ruble and colleagues, COMPASS emphasizes individualized education planning, shared decision-making, and implementation support across home and school contexts. The model guides teams through structured goal setting, coaching, and progress monitoring aligned with the child’s strengths and needs and Individual Education Program. Empirical studies have shown that COMPASS improves intervention fidelity, child goal attainment, and collaborative engagement, making it a promising approach for bridging gaps between families and educators in autism support services.
REGISTER:
https://autism.org/compass-webinar/ Managing Constipation
Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), April 1, 2026
Learn about evidence-based, effective nutritional strategies to manage constipation.
Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN, is the Director of the Nutrition Clinic at The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development. She is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist with over a decade of experience working with nutrition in children with autism and related disorders. At the Johnson Center, she directs a team of dieticians and nutritionists that has served over 3000 children through this practice.
In addition to her clinical practice, Kelly also serves as the Johnson Center Clinical Care Director, overseeing management and implementation of multidisciplinary care across the practices within the organization. In 2008, Kelly accepted the position of Nutrition Coordinator for the Autism Research Institute. In this role, she designs and manages curriculum and training for hundreds of nutrition practitioners each year, as well as providing direct training for thousands of parents. Kelly is a sought-after presenter, speaking at several national and international conferences each year.
REGISTER HERE:
https://autism.org/managing-constipation/ ****
Free Autism CME | CE Series
Sleep, Nutrition, Medication Management and more
Free Continuing Medical Education Credits For Physicians And Nurses
Latest Scientific Research Grant Awards Announced
ARI recently awarded nearly $600,000 to support early-stage research and advance new discoveries for autistic individuals and their families.
Learn more HERE:
https://autism.org/ **********
FREE WEBINAR
March 23, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., CDT
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for Life: Pathways to Independence and Connection for Autistic Teens and Adults
REGISTER HERE:
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7... ****
We want to better support you with helpful financial resources. Please react to this post, which of the following topics would you be most interested in learning more about?
👍 Budgeting and managing everyday expenses on the spectrum
❤️ Financial planning for adult life/transition to adulthood
🥰 Planning for the future while your child is still young
😂 Financial basics (foundational financial concepts and tools)
😯 Retirement planning and estate planning for families
😢 Employment benefits and planning around your salary
😡 Financial considerations for caregivers
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If you live near or around Chicago, we need your help! By completing the housing market survey, you will help pave the way for better housing options for autistic adults in the future.
Take the survey: Take the Survey:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/DVPjLx5Yt6 ****
In honor of Women's History Month, we are excited to highlight some of the amazing women who work with Autism Speaks! From autistic adults to caregivers to allies, they all are passionate about helping make the world a better place for people on the spectrum.
Today we are featuring Tonya Haynes, Champion of Change, and autism advocate, and mother to an autistic adult. Learn more about our Champions of Change at
https://www.autismspeaks.org/champions-cha... The Women of Autism Speaks Real stories, real impact
Progress in the autism community doesn't always happen in headlines or grand gestures. More often, it is found in the quiet, steady dedication of women—the self-advocates mothers, sisters, family members and friends advocating at school meetings, sharing their lived experiences and showing up when it matters most. These women are the heart of the progress we make every day.
In honor of National Women’s History Month, we are setting aside the "big" history books to focus on the personal ones. We are launching a new storytelling initiative: "The Women of Autism Speaks."
We know that for many women and girls, the autism journey comes with a unique set of experiences. From the nuances of a later-in-life diagnosis to finding resources specifically for women and girls, your perspective helps us understand how to better support our entire community.
Read her story, and those of other women at Autism Speaks, at
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/women-au... VISIT Autism Speaks HERE:
https://www.facebook.com/autismspeaks Use these hand hashtags on Black In America for news you can use for mental and Intellectual Disabilities.
Check out
https://www.pinterest.com/levineoliverpub/... today!
Posted By: agnes levine
Friday, March 13th 2026 at 11:56AM
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