Autism Research Institute: Difference between revisions
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The '''Autism Research Institute''' (ARI), established in 1967 by [[Bernard Rimland]], Ph.D., is a [[San Diego, California]], based [[nonprofit]] that serves primarily as a resource for information on [[autism]] and [[autism spectrum]] disorders. Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. became the director of ARI upon Rimland's death in 2006. |
The '''Autism Research Institute''' (ARI), established in 1967 by [[Bernard Rimland]], Ph.D., is a [[San Diego, California]], based [[nonprofit]] that serves primarily as a resource for information on [[autism]] and [[autism spectrum]] disorders. Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. became the director of ARI upon Rimland's death in 2006. |
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[[Quackwatch]] includes the Autism Research Institute on its list of "Questionable Organizations".<ref name=qw>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/nonrecorg.html |
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|publisher=[[Quackwatch]] |
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|date=June 10, 2013 |
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|accessdate=June 2013 |
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|title=Questionable Organizations: An Overview |
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|author=[[Stephen Barrett]], M.D.}}</ref> ARI holds to the medically-discredited<ref name=CDC-MMR-autism>{{cite web |url=http://cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/mmr_autism_factsheet.htm |title= Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine |date=2008-08-22 |accessdate=2008-12-21 |publisher= Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080407015528/http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/mmr_autism_factsheet.htm |archivedate = 2008-04-07}}</ref><ref name=IOM>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070623134938/http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3793/4705/20155.aspx Immunization Safety Review: Vaccines and Autism]. From the [[Institute of Medicine]] of the [[United States National Academy of Sciences|National Academy of Sciences]]. Report dated May 17, 2004. Retrieved June 13, 2007.</ref><ref name=MMRthefacts>{{cite web |url=http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4002972 |accessdate=2007-09-19 |year=2004 |title= MMR The facts |publisher= [[National Health Service|NHS]] Immunisation Information}}</ref> belief that autism is partially [[MMR vaccine controversy|caused by vaccinations]];<ref>[http://www.autism.com/faq_vaccinations.asp Autism.com vaccinations FAQ]{{dead link|date=November 2013}}</ref> it also suggests [[chelation therapy]], a treatment which is dangerous enough to have caused multiple deaths<ref name=Atwood2008>{{cite journal |author=Atwood KC, Woeckner E, Baratz RS, Sampson WI |title=Why the NIH Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) Should Be Abandoned |journal=Medscape J Med |volume=10 |issue=5 |pages=115 |year=2008 |pmid=18596934 |pmc=2438277 |doi= |url=}}</ref> and has never been shown to be an effective form of treatment for autism.<ref>[http://www.baam.emich.edu/baamnewsarchive/BAAMbnachelationdeath.htm Behavior Analysis Association], University of Michigan</ref> |
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In addition to these [[Pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]] positions, they hold that autism can be treated through a combination of intensive [[behavior modification]], such as [[Applied Behavior Analysis]], and a wide variety of biomedical interventions, including the use of drugs, [[dietary supplement]]s, and special diets. To this end, they sponsored a yearly conference of researchers, scientists, and physicians, which was known as Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!). |
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==History== |
==History== |
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* Conducting and funding research on autism treatments. |
* Conducting and funding research on autism treatments. |
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* Publishing independent reviews of scientific, peer-reviewed research on autism triggers and treatments. |
* Publishing independent reviews of scientific, peer-reviewed research on autism triggers and treatments. |
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* Maintaining the largest database of anecdotal parent reporting in the world, with more than 40,000 entries from 60 countries. |
* Maintaining the largest database of anecdotal parent reporting in the world, with more than 40,000 entries from 60 countries with data collection ongoing for several surveys including autism subtypes and adult medical issues. |
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==Treatments== |
==Treatments== |
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In an interview with About.com, ARI Director Steve Edelson said “if a practitioner claims to ‘cure’ autism, run in the other direction.”<ref>[http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/DANQandA.htm Biomedical Treatments for Autism from the Autism Research Institute]</ref> ARI’s focus is on evidence-based treatments. |
In an interview with About.com, ARI Director Steve Edelson said “if a practitioner claims to ‘cure’ autism, run in the other direction.”<ref>[http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/DANQandA.htm Biomedical Treatments for Autism from the Autism Research Institute]</ref> ARI’s focus is on evidence-based treatments. |
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ARI is a major proponent of the biomedical approach for autism treatment,<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/ed_recovery Biomedical Approach and Autism]</ref> compiling evidence from autism research experts and parents to share information about the most viable treatments for common autism symptoms. The premise for integrative medical intervention is that certain neurological disorders, including autism, might be caused by environmental triggers that compromise the gastrointestinal, immunological, and neurological systems;<ref>[http://www.randomhouse.com/book/209801/the-autism-revolution-by-dr-martha-herbert-and-karen-weintraub#excerpt Autism's impact on gastrointestinal, immunological, and neurological systems]{{page needed|date=March 2012}}</ref> gastrointestinal, in that those with autism tend toward constipation and/or diarrhea and often have abnormal cravings or abhorrence for certain kinds of food; immunological, in that many have poor regulation of the immune system; and decreased ability to fight infectious diseases, and some are prone to allergies; and neurological, in that hypo- or hypersensitive to sensory impressions is very common. Proponents of integrative medical intervention claim that children with autism generally improve the health of all three systems with an adapted or 'special' diet, or with the addition to their diet of certain dietary supplements, nutrients, and enzyme supplements. Based on this premise, what is often diagnosed as autism |
ARI is a major proponent of the biomedical approach for autism treatment,<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/ed_recovery Biomedical Approach and Autism]</ref> compiling evidence from autism research experts and parents to share information about the most viable multidisciplinary treatments for management of common autism symptoms. The premise for integrative medical intervention is that certain neurological disorders, including autism, might be caused by environmental triggers that compromise the gastrointestinal, immunological, and neurological systems;<ref>[http://www.randomhouse.com/book/209801/the-autism-revolution-by-dr-martha-herbert-and-karen-weintraub#excerpt Autism's impact on gastrointestinal, immunological, and neurological systems]{{page needed|date=March 2012}}</ref> gastrointestinal, in that those with autism tend toward constipation and/or diarrhea and often have abnormal cravings or abhorrence for certain kinds of food; immunological, in that many have poor regulation of the immune system; and decreased ability to fight infectious diseases, and some are prone to allergies; and neurological, in that hypo- or hypersensitive to sensory impressions is very common. Proponents of integrative medical intervention claim that children with autism generally improve the health of all three systems with an adapted or 'special' diet, or with the addition to their diet of certain dietary supplements, nutrients, and enzyme supplements. Based on this premise, what is often diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder is seen as a physiological syndrome involving many parts of the body that could be treated as a physiological disorder. |
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ARI is also a longtime supporter of Applied Behavior Analysis,<ref>{{cite web|url=http:// |
ARI is also a longtime supporter of Applied Behavior Analysis,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://autism.com/treat_behavioralintervention|title=Applied Behavior Analysis |publisher=Autism.com |date= |accessdate=21 March 2014}}</ref> believing ABA should complement other autism interventions. |
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Controversial treatments/issues and ARI’s position today: |
Controversial treatments/issues and ARI’s position today: |
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*Vaccines – ARI supports safe vaccination. Research on this topic is ongoing and ARI |
*Vaccines – ARI supports safe vaccination. Research on this topic is ongoing and ARI continues to track new developments in this field of study, among others. The organization continues to seek potential trigger factors for autism.<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/about_ari_faq FAQs about ARI]</ref> |
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*Chelation – Chelation is not a “cure” for autism. If, in the opinion of a medical doctor, the patient has an unusual heavy-metal burden, chelation might be warranted, just as it would be for a patient who does not have autism. Additional research is needed to investigate the prevalence and underlying reasons for impaired excretion of environmental toxins, and to determine effective treatments.<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/about_ari_faq ARI FAQ]</ref> |
*Chelation – Chelation is not a “cure” for autism. If, in the opinion of a medical doctor, the patient has an unusual heavy-metal burden, chelation might be warranted, just as it would be for a patient who does not have autism. Additional research is needed to investigate the prevalence and underlying reasons for impaired excretion of environmental toxins, and to determine effective treatments.<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/about_ari_faq ARI FAQ]</ref> |
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*Gluten-free, casein-free diets – ARI believes that this diet can be beneficial. While a study by the University of Rochester found "eliminating gluten and casein from the diets of children with autism had no impact on their behavior, sleep or bowel patterns,"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=2860 |title=Study finds gluten-free, casein-free diet has no impact |publisher=Urmc.rochester.edu |date=19 May 2010 |accessdate=30 March 2012}}</ref> a study by the |
*Gluten-free, casein-free diets – ARI believes that this diet can be beneficial. While a study by the University of Rochester found "eliminating gluten and casein from the diets of children with autism had no impact on their behavior, sleep or bowel patterns,"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=2860 |title=Study finds gluten-free, casein-free diet has no impact |publisher=Urmc.rochester.edu |date=19 May 2010 |accessdate=30 March 2012}}</ref> a study by the Department of Biobehavioral Health at The Pennsylvania State University found "Overall, diet efficacy among children whose parents reported the presence of GI symptoms, food allergy diagnoses, and suspected food sensitivities included greater improvement in ASD behaviors, physiological symptoms, and social behaviors compared with children whose parents reported none of these symptoms, diagnoses, or sensitivities (P < 0.05).”<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1179/1476830512Y.0000000003 |title=Effectiveness of the gluten-free, casein-free diet for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: based on parental report. |year=2012 |last1=Pennesi |first1=CM |last2=Klein |first2=LC.|journal=Nutr Neurosci. |volume=2 |pages=85–91}}</ref> |
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*Based on empirical evidence and research, ARI asserts that pharmaceutical treatments should be approached with caution, as |
*Based on empirical evidence and research, ARI asserts that pharmaceutical treatments should be approached with caution, as some may exacerbate some symptoms while treating others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://autism.com/pro_adversereactions.asp |title=Adverse reactions of pharmaceutical treatments |publisher=Autism.com |date= |accessdate=30 March 2012}}</ref> |
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==Research== |
==Research== |
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ARI has awarded more than $1.5 million in research grants since 2009. Grant recipients include Harvard/Mass General, Cleveland Clinic, UCLA, Arizona State University, UC Davis, and Columbia University.<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/about_2010_funded ARI-Funded Research Studies]</ref> ARI also funds Tissue Banks for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the University of Maryland <ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/about_tissue ARI and NICHD Tissue Bank]</ref> and the Digestive Function Laboratory Repository at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston; a specimen bank for non-autistic individuals to provide proper comparison controls for researchers is in development. |
ARI has awarded more than $1.5 million in research grants since 2009. Grant recipients include Harvard/Mass General, Cleveland Clinic, UCLA, Arizona State University, UC Davis, and Columbia University.<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/about_2010_funded ARI-Funded Research Studies]</ref> ARI also funds Tissue Banks for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the University of Maryland <ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/about_tissue ARI and NICHD Tissue Bank]</ref> and the Digestive Function Laboratory Repository at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston; a specimen bank for non-autistic individuals to provide proper comparison controls for researchers is in development. |
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==Education== |
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ARI holds that autism can be treated through a combination of intensive behavior modification, such as Applied Behavior Analysis,<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.008 |title=Applied behavior analytic intervention for autism in early childhood: Meta-analysis, meta-regression and dose–response meta-analysis of multiple outcomes |year=2010 |last1=Virués-Ortega |first1=Javier |journal=Clinical Psychology Review |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=387–99 |pmid=20223569}}</ref> and a wide variety of biomedical interventions, primarily the use of dietary supplements and special diets. To this end, they |
ARI holds that autism can be treated through a combination of intensive behavior modification, such as Applied Behavior Analysis,<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.008 |title=Applied behavior analytic intervention for autism in early childhood: Meta-analysis, meta-regression and dose–response meta-analysis of multiple outcomes |year=2010 |last1=Virués-Ortega |first1=Javier |journal=Clinical Psychology Review |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=387–99 |pmid=20223569}}</ref> and a wide variety of biomedical interventions, primarily the use of dietary supplements and special diets. To this end, they sponsored a yearly conference (once known as Defeat Autism Now!/DAN!), known as the ARI Conference, of researchers, scientists, and physicians that ended in 2012. ARI ended the registry of DAN doctors in 2011.<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/ed_movingforward ARI Moving Forward]</ref> Today, ARI provides online webinars several times a month. |
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ARI also sponsors the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR), which is known as the [[International Meeting for Autism Research]] (IMFAR). First convened in 2001, the first and primary aim of the meeting is to promote exchange and dissemination of the latest scientific findings and to stimulate research progress in understanding the nature, cause and treatments of ASD. The meeting also promotes training for pre/post doctorates to advance research of ASD. The INSAR publishes the Autism Research Journal.<ref>[http://www.autisminsar.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=251&Itemid=191 Autism Research Journal]</ref> |
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==Affiliates== |
==Affiliates== |
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*Autistic Global Initiative (AGI) – AGI is an ARI program staffed by adults with autism who are committed to increasing quality infrastructure for adults with ASD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autismwebsite.com/agi/ |title=Support for adults with autism |publisher=Autismwebsite.com |date= |accessdate=30 March 2012}}</ref> |
*Autistic Global Initiative (AGI) – AGI is an ARI program staffed by adults with autism who are committed to increasing quality infrastructure for adults with ASD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autismwebsite.com/agi/ |title=Support for adults with autism |publisher=Autismwebsite.com |date= |accessdate=30 March 2012}}</ref> |
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*The Global Autism |
*The Global Autism Collaboration, a partnership created in response to a global need for networking, communicating, and collaborating among autism groups. This program is housed at ARI; Stephen M. Edelson, ARI director, is the president. |
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==Funding== |
==Funding== |
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ARI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Almost all ARI operations and initiatives are funded by private donations. |
ARI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Almost all ARI operations and initiatives are funded by private donations. More than 80 cents of every dollar donated to ARI goes directly to programs and research projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=8792#.UyxNp4XwrbM |title=ARI's record on Charity Navigator |publisher=Charitynavigator.org |date= |accessdate=21 March 2014}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
Revision as of 00:32, 10 May 2014
This article contains promotional content. (May 2014) |
The Autism Research Institute (ARI), established in 1967 by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., is a San Diego, California, based nonprofit that serves primarily as a resource for information on autism and autism spectrum disorders. Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. became the director of ARI upon Rimland's death in 2006.
History
ARI was founded in 1967 by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D, a research psychologist. Rimland’s book Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and Its Implications for a Neural Theory of Behavior was published in 1964. Rimland was the first to authoritatively challenge the prevailing theory of the time, the refrigerator mother theory (that autism was caused by unloving mothers), by providing evidence that autism is a biological disorder. He founded ARI to promote Applied Behavior Analysis as an intervention for autism.[1] Today, ARI continues to seek out autism treatments by:[2]
- Conducting and funding research on autism treatments.
- Publishing independent reviews of scientific, peer-reviewed research on autism triggers and treatments.
- Maintaining the largest database of anecdotal parent reporting in the world, with more than 40,000 entries from 60 countries with data collection ongoing for several surveys including autism subtypes and adult medical issues.
Treatments
In an interview with About.com, ARI Director Steve Edelson said “if a practitioner claims to ‘cure’ autism, run in the other direction.”[3] ARI’s focus is on evidence-based treatments.
ARI is a major proponent of the biomedical approach for autism treatment,[4] compiling evidence from autism research experts and parents to share information about the most viable multidisciplinary treatments for management of common autism symptoms. The premise for integrative medical intervention is that certain neurological disorders, including autism, might be caused by environmental triggers that compromise the gastrointestinal, immunological, and neurological systems;[5] gastrointestinal, in that those with autism tend toward constipation and/or diarrhea and often have abnormal cravings or abhorrence for certain kinds of food; immunological, in that many have poor regulation of the immune system; and decreased ability to fight infectious diseases, and some are prone to allergies; and neurological, in that hypo- or hypersensitive to sensory impressions is very common. Proponents of integrative medical intervention claim that children with autism generally improve the health of all three systems with an adapted or 'special' diet, or with the addition to their diet of certain dietary supplements, nutrients, and enzyme supplements. Based on this premise, what is often diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder is seen as a physiological syndrome involving many parts of the body that could be treated as a physiological disorder.
ARI is also a longtime supporter of Applied Behavior Analysis,[6] believing ABA should complement other autism interventions.
Controversial treatments/issues and ARI’s position today:
- Vaccines – ARI supports safe vaccination. Research on this topic is ongoing and ARI continues to track new developments in this field of study, among others. The organization continues to seek potential trigger factors for autism.[7]
- Chelation – Chelation is not a “cure” for autism. If, in the opinion of a medical doctor, the patient has an unusual heavy-metal burden, chelation might be warranted, just as it would be for a patient who does not have autism. Additional research is needed to investigate the prevalence and underlying reasons for impaired excretion of environmental toxins, and to determine effective treatments.[8]
- Gluten-free, casein-free diets – ARI believes that this diet can be beneficial. While a study by the University of Rochester found "eliminating gluten and casein from the diets of children with autism had no impact on their behavior, sleep or bowel patterns,"[9] a study by the Department of Biobehavioral Health at The Pennsylvania State University found "Overall, diet efficacy among children whose parents reported the presence of GI symptoms, food allergy diagnoses, and suspected food sensitivities included greater improvement in ASD behaviors, physiological symptoms, and social behaviors compared with children whose parents reported none of these symptoms, diagnoses, or sensitivities (P < 0.05).”[10]
- Based on empirical evidence and research, ARI asserts that pharmaceutical treatments should be approached with caution, as some may exacerbate some symptoms while treating others.[11]
Research
ARI has awarded more than $1.5 million in research grants since 2009. Grant recipients include Harvard/Mass General, Cleveland Clinic, UCLA, Arizona State University, UC Davis, and Columbia University.[12] ARI also funds Tissue Banks for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the University of Maryland [13] and the Digestive Function Laboratory Repository at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston; a specimen bank for non-autistic individuals to provide proper comparison controls for researchers is in development.
Education
ARI holds that autism can be treated through a combination of intensive behavior modification, such as Applied Behavior Analysis,[14] and a wide variety of biomedical interventions, primarily the use of dietary supplements and special diets. To this end, they sponsored a yearly conference (once known as Defeat Autism Now!/DAN!), known as the ARI Conference, of researchers, scientists, and physicians that ended in 2012. ARI ended the registry of DAN doctors in 2011.[15] Today, ARI provides online webinars several times a month.
Affiliates
- Autistic Global Initiative (AGI) – AGI is an ARI program staffed by adults with autism who are committed to increasing quality infrastructure for adults with ASD.[16]
- The Global Autism Collaboration, a partnership created in response to a global need for networking, communicating, and collaborating among autism groups. This program is housed at ARI; Stephen M. Edelson, ARI director, is the president.
Funding
ARI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Almost all ARI operations and initiatives are funded by private donations. More than 80 cents of every dollar donated to ARI goes directly to programs and research projects.[17]
See also
External links
References
- ^ Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., on the ABA controversy
- ^ ARI's work
- ^ Biomedical Treatments for Autism from the Autism Research Institute
- ^ Biomedical Approach and Autism
- ^ Autism's impact on gastrointestinal, immunological, and neurological systems[page needed]
- ^ "Applied Behavior Analysis". Autism.com. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
- ^ FAQs about ARI
- ^ ARI FAQ
- ^ "Study finds gluten-free, casein-free diet has no impact". Urmc.rochester.edu. 19 May 2010. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
- ^ Pennesi, CM; Klein, LC. (2012). "Effectiveness of the gluten-free, casein-free diet for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: based on parental report". Nutr Neurosci. 2: 85–91. doi:10.1179/1476830512Y.0000000003.
- ^ "Adverse reactions of pharmaceutical treatments". Autism.com. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
- ^ ARI-Funded Research Studies
- ^ ARI and NICHD Tissue Bank
- ^ Virués-Ortega, Javier (2010). "Applied behavior analytic intervention for autism in early childhood: Meta-analysis, meta-regression and dose–response meta-analysis of multiple outcomes". Clinical Psychology Review. 30 (4): 387–99. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.008. PMID 20223569.
- ^ ARI Moving Forward
- ^ "Support for adults with autism". Autismwebsite.com. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
- ^ "ARI's record on Charity Navigator". Charitynavigator.org. Retrieved 21 March 2014.