Jump to content

Autism Research Institute: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Undid revision 600536995 by 71.197.252.39 (talk) well sourced mateerial
Difulton (talk | contribs)
42 edits
I am an ARI employee and am making these edits. I have edited the top section - the references to Quackwatch at the top of the page are outdated and include broken links that are noted in the code. ARI explains its stance on chelation further down page
Tag: gettingstarted edit
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Primary sources|article|date=March 2012}}
{{Primary sources|article|date=March 2012}}
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.

[[Quackwatch]] includes the Autism Research Institute on its list of "Questionable Organizations".<ref name=qw>{{cite web
|url=http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/nonrecorg.html
|publisher=[[Quackwatch]]
|date=June 10, 2013
|accessdate=June 2013
|title=Questionable Organizations: An Overview
|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>
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!).


==History==
==History==
Line 35: Line 25:


==Conference==
==Conference==
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 sponsor a yearly conference (once known as Defeat Autism Now!/DAN!), known as the ARI Conference, of researchers, scientists, and physicians. ARI ended the registry of DAN doctors in 2011.<ref>[http://www.autism.com/index.php/ed_movingforward ARI Moving Forward]</ref>
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 they offer free online webinars featuring researchers, behavior and support specialists, and medical experts on their <ref>[http://www.ariconference.com]online education hub</ref>.


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>
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>

Revision as of 03:14, 21 March 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.

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 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;[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 or PDD 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 continue 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 University of Sunderland in the U.K. found that gluten-free, casein-free “dietary intervention may positively affect developmental outcome for some children diagnosed with ASD.”[10]
  • Based on empirical evidence and research, ARI asserts that pharmaceutical treatments should be approached with caution, as many can 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.

Conference

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 they offer free online webinars featuring researchers, behavior and support specialists, and medical experts on their [16].

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.[17]


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.[18]
  • The Global Autism Alliance, 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. Over 80 cents of every dollar donated to ARI goes directly to programs and research projects.[19]

See also

References

  1. ^ Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., on the ABA controversy
  2. ^ ARI's work
  3. ^ Biomedical Treatments for Autism from the Autism Research Institute
  4. ^ Biomedical Approach and Autism
  5. ^ Autism's impact on gastrointestinal, immunological, and neurological systems[page needed]
  6. ^ "Applied Behavior Analysis". Autism.com. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
  7. ^ FAQs about ARI
  8. ^ ARI FAQ
  9. ^ "Study finds gluten-free, casein-free diet has no impact". Urmc.rochester.edu. 19 May 2010. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
  10. ^ Whiteley, P.; Rodgers, J.; Savery, D.; Shattock, P. (1999). "A Gluten-Free Diet as an Intervention for Autism and Associated Spectrum Disorders: Preliminary Findings". Autism. 3: 45. doi:10.1177/1362361399003001005.[unreliable medical source?]
  11. ^ "Adverse reactions of pharmaceutical treatments". Autism.com. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
  12. ^ ARI-Funded Research Studies
  13. ^ ARI and NICHD Tissue Bank
  14. ^ 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.
  15. ^ ARI Moving Forward
  16. ^ [1]online education hub
  17. ^ Autism Research Journal
  18. ^ "Support for adults with autism". Autismwebsite.com. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
  19. ^ "ARI's record on Charity Navigator". Charitynavigator.org. Retrieved 30 March 2012.

Template:Autism films

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Autism_Research_Institute&oldid=600544616"