We are now gearing up for our next wave of trainings for our SPROUT Study and are hoping to enroll additional Early Intervention providers. We have had very positive responses to our first wave of trainings (see above). Please contact us if you would like additional information about this opportunity or have any questions!

Recognized around the world, April is Autism Awareness Month! Whether you or someone you love has autism, join us in celebrating the 15^th annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2^nd and show your support by wearing blue!

Keep an eye out all month for content providing resources and ways to continue to celebrate all through April!

 

In the course of our research, the READi Lab has talked with many parents who have young children with autism.  We have learned of their successes and struggles, including the financial hardships that are sometimes associated with early diagnosis and treatment of autism. Luckily, there are support systems like Ben’s Fund that are available to support those caregivers.

Ben’s Fund was established in 2012 by John & Traci Schneider to honor their son (diagnosed with autism at age three).  The mission of Ben’s Fund is to provide financial support to families who need help covering costs associated with medical bills, therapies and other expenses that might be incurred while supporting a child on the autism spectrum. The fund awards applicants up to $1,000 per qualifying child and, to date, has raised over $4.6 million and issued 2,700 awards.

Click here to learn more.

Thanh Nguyen is a former research assistant at the READi Lab who is now a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston. For her dissertation, she is looking to interview Asian American adults (18yr+) from an Asian immigrant and Confucian-ethnic background (i.e., Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese) who have a sibling or siblings with autism (formally diagnosed) to learn about their experience and relationships.

Shana Attar, a graduate student in the READi Lab, recently received a $20,000 award from the UW Population Health Initiative’s Pilot Grant program. This funding will enable her to continue development of a new screening tool called “My Toddler’s Social Communication (MTSC).”  The MTSC (which is fondly referred to as “Mitsy”) was created in our lab to screen for autism in toddlers from diverse cultural, ethnic, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. Unlike other measures, the MTSC combines photos and short written descriptions of specific target behaviors that will be adapted as appropriate for different populations. Her goal is to computerize, validate, standardize, and disseminate the MTSC to frontline providers across the State (and beyond), with the ultimate objective of improving screening so that children at-risk for autism, regardless of their background, may be directed to specialized services in an expedient and equitable manner. Way to go, Shana!

 

 

Although we are approaching the end of Black Futures Month, we hope that the spirit, pride, vision, and positivity that it embodies will continue to endure and thrive.  In the world of autism, there are significant delays in diagnosing Black and African American children with autism relative to other groups. (Find this study here) Relatedly, Black and African American children with autism may not receive specialty care, and for those who do, treatment starts later than for other children. (Find this study here)

Both the collective experience of families and research evidence highlight the importance of an informed and inclusive approach to care.  Ongoing work in the READi Lab contributes to this mission through our research to develop early autism screening tools that are sensitive to cultural differences and family values. We hope to develop resources that can not only address health inequities and disparities within the autism community, but also celebrate the differences that exist from one individual to the next.

 

 

 

In a recent study published by Frontiers in Education, it was found that parents with children on the spectrum were three times more likely to report negative changes in their child due to school closures. Parents also reported seeing regression academically and behaviorally. However, even with the negative impact on behavior, parents are reporting that their children feel happier in comparison to non-autistic children without the social demands that they are normally faced with.

Although no one yet knows the impact that school closures will have long term, it is apparent that educators will need to address these issues and come up with solutions on how to get children back on track. Read the full article here.

 

There has been a recent call for authenticity in the dramatic arts that involves casting actors who have ‘lived experience’ in the roles they play. The new TV series, “As We See It,” has heeded this call. The theme of this show is not novel; it centers around 3 roommates who share an apartment. However, its execution is unique in that all 3 roommates are not only autistic, but each one is played by an autistic actor. The characters are very well developed, each with their unique charm and challenges. The result is a highly engaging ‘dramedy’ that avoids the autism stereotypes that are often portrayed in the media. Kudos to Amazon!

For more information about “As We See It” click here.

Getting vaccines can be scary for children and parents alike. Autism Speaks has created a Vaccine Experience Tool Kit to help make the vaccine process less stressful for individuals with autism. Resources in this kit include a tip sheet and a guide for families to help them navigate the vaccine experience together.

Click here to access the Tool Kit in its entirety.

 

The READi Lab is conducting a new study to examine the use of Reciprocal Imitation Teaching (RIT) by EI providers and families! RIT is a play-based intervention designed for children with autism or social communication challenges. It is fun and can be used at home by caregivers. We are looking for EI programs and EI providers in Washington State who are interested in participating in the Sprout Study. A flyer describing this study can be found here.

 

 

There are many challenges that children with autism may face when it’s time to get a haircut, from sensory issues to anxiety about a new adventure. However, there are ways to improve the haircut experience for both children and their caregivers. This guide from Autism Speaks provides information that can be given to hair stylists to make the experience more positive and enjoyable for everyone.

Click below to access the guide and find out more how you can prepare for a successful haircut! Also, be sure to check out the list of child-centered hair salons in the area.

 

 

 

Ashley De Marchena and Casey Zampella at Spectrum News report that up to 87% of autistic children have challenges moving and coordinating their arms and legs, but only a small number of them receive treatment that specifically targets these motor impairments. Even though motor challenges have long been associated with autism, this area has received relatively little attention.

The importance of understanding the differences in motor skills can help highlight a new clinical target for people with autism. Read on to learn more about what treatment can mean for those with motor skill difficulties.

 

 

 

Published by Spectrum, the leading site for autism research news.

 

 

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Lisa has been an invaluable member of the UW READi Lab for the past 11 years. Starting out as a Postdoctoral Fellow, she grew into the positions of Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director of the READi Lab. She has been generous in enhancing the growth of others, whether they be graduate students, lab colleagues, or our community partners. Although she is irreplaceable, we are grateful for the time she has shared with us and wish her the best in her transition to the world of industry.