|
|
|
Monthly Mission Spotlight
|
|
|
|
|
|
Happy Holidays! In this Monthly Mission Spotlight, Autism Speaks is proud to share our recent accomplishments in the areas of research, expanding services and supports for autistic people and their families, and increasing awareness and understanding of autism in underserved communities. With your help, we are able to support impactful research studies that deepen our understanding of autism and host webinars and events that educate the autism community. We are also creating more inclusive communities one organization at a time with our Autism Friendly Designation, a training program to make the customer service experience more autism-friendly. Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
|
|
|
|
Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs
|
|
|
|
Autism Speaks MSSNG database enables the world’s largest autism whole-genome sequencing study to provide better personalized support and accurate interventions
Autism Speaks MSSNG database, the world’s largest autism whole-genome dataset, recently provided researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) with access to thousands of sequenced genomes, allowing them to uncover 134 new genes and genetic changes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the largest autism whole-genome sequencing analysis to date. The study sequenced the entire genomes of more than 11,000 individuals, offering new insights into the genetics that underlie autism spectrum disorder. Read more.
|
|
|
|
New Autism Speaks research funding opportunities!
Autism Speaks announced the opening of applications for a new cycle of research grants on the study of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) in autism. With generous support from a Royal Arch Research Assistance grant, we anticipate funding one pilot research study, one predoctoral fellowship and one postdoctoral fellowship focused on understanding, evaluating and/or treating individuals with CAPD, particularly as it relates to ASD. Learn more and view the Request for Applications.
|
|
|
|
Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism
|
|
|
|
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services receives Autism Friendly Designation
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) became the first state agency to receive the Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation. The certification program is awarded to those that demonstrate a commitment to supporting the diverse needs of autistic people and providing inclusive customer service. To achieve the designation, businesses must participate in an employee training program co-developed by people with autism, expert researchers and clinicians at Autism Speaks. Over 85% of employees in 13 area IVRS offices across Iowa completed the training. Learn more about how your business can receive its Autism Friendly Designation and join us in creating a more inclusive world for autistic people and their families.
|
|
|
|
Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions
|
|
|
|
Raising autism awareness and diagnosis in Latino communities
Autism Speaks hosted 460 Spanish-speaking constituents at its first Spanish-language event, Pathways to Early Intervention and Support in the Latino Community. Attendees heard from clinicians and parents of autistic children about the signs and symptoms of autism, how to obtain an evaluation and next steps after a diagnosis. The event was part of our ongoing effort to raise autism awareness, reduce stigmas and increase access to care within the Latino community, which experiences among the lowest autism diagnosis rates in the U.S. To find out more about this event, contact us at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
Improving the transition to adulthood
|
|
|
|
Family ECHO: Autism gives more families the opportunity to learn and grow
From navigating a new diagnosis to planning for the future, parents and caregivers of children with autism need knowledge and support in order to provide the best care to their loved ones. But often, that information can be difficult to access. Family ECHO: Autism is here to help with a FREE virtual learning program that brings clinical professionals and subject matter experts right to your screen. Supported by Autism Speaks and the Autism Care Network, the program has so far offered sessions on autism waitlists, managing anxiety and irritability, severe behavior and family supports. Upcoming sessions will focus on transition and behavior interventions. Learn more.
|
|
|
|
Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the lifespan
|
|
|
|
Autism Speaks hosts webinars to educate people with autism and their families
We reached an additional 4,430 members of the autism community in October and November through a series of local market events including our Adulting on the Spectrum webinar, aimed at providing autistic adults with services and trends in adult care, and our Autism Friendly Inclusion: Leading the Way webinars, which teach autistic individuals and their parents and caregivers how to advocate for and find inclusive activities in their communities. Check out our calendar to find out about how you can attend upcoming events.
|
|
|
|
Supporting the autism community in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona
In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, Autism Speaks answered the call of Alianza de Autismo de Puerto Rico (Autism Alliance of PR) and awarded the non-profit a $5,000 grant to aid families with autistic loved ones who experienced storm damage. With the money, the Alianza was able to award gifts between $50 to $300 to families to use in their clean-up and recovery. The organization also hosted events to deliver food, water, gas stoves and solar charges. Alianza de Autismo is the largest parent-run autism advocacy and support organization in Puerto Rico.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
