Sofia Helmle has worked with us in the READi Lab as an undergraduate research assistant for the past 2 years, and has been invaluable to our research activities. Last month she graduated from UW with a Bachelor’s degree, and will soon be starting a Master’s program in Philosophy and Education at Teacher’s College, Columbia University, in New York City.

Sofia’s activities in our lab have included survey development and deployment, behavioral coding, and conducting focus groups to guide the development of informational materials about autism for families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She helped caregivers and providers feel heard and respected, which has enhanced our subsequent research. We will miss her enthusiastic and positive manner, the thoughtful perspectives she brought to her work, and her willingness to dive headfirst into any task or activity!

Congratulations, Sofia- and we will miss you!!

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Last week we celebrated the many contributions that John Hershberger has made to the READi Lab. After working with us for 6.5 years as a Research Coordinator, John is heading off to a new adventure! John has been pivotal to numerous research projects we’ve conducted — including SRT, Pathways, and Sprout – especially for his talent in managing our study databases. We have enjoyed his dedication, flexibility, and calm demeanor, and wish him the best in his future endeavors!

Catherine Dick, Ph.D. has officially completed her training in UW’s Clinical Psychology program! Catherine began our program in 2016 and has been a valuable member of the READi Lab. After finishing her clinical internship at OHSU, she will return to Seattle to begin a postdoctoral fellowship at Seattle Children’s Autism Center, conducting research on community implementation of evidence-based interventions. We look forward to having her back in the area! 

READiLab research assistants Karla Uroza and Gina Damilano recently had a wonderful visit with Sanchia Fernandes, a talented research assistant from the Michigan State University site of the RISE study.  This study brings researchers together from across the country to investigate the use of Reciprocal Imitation Teaching (RIT) within Part C Early Intervention systems. RIT is a play-based approach that provides parent coaching strategies designed to improve children’s social communication.  

“Meeting with Sanchia in person was such a joy! We instantly connected and were able to deepen our bond beyond our virtual collaboration. I hope we can visit her and other researchers on the project in the future.”  

To learn more about the RISE Research Network click here.  

Happy Father’s Day from the UW READi Lab team! Wishing all the amazing dads out there a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with your little ones. Your dedication and support make a world of difference in their lives. Thank you for being superheroes in the journey of fatherhood!

AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society to offer “Sensory Friendly Films” for individuals or families with sensory sensitivities. Each month they offer unique movie showings where children with a variety of sensory challenges have the opportunity to get up, dance, walk, shout, or sing in an accepting and comfortable setting!  

“Sensory Friendly Film Showings” occur on the 2nd and 4th Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of each month.  

To learn more, visit their website and to reserve tickets check in with your local theater for specific showtimes.  

Pump It Up Lynnwood has designed a special play session called “Sensory Jump“ for individuals or families with sensory sensitivities. Once per month, they offer children with a variety of sensory challenges the opportunity to jump, slide and play sensory-friendly games in a safe, quiet, and controlled atmosphere.  

“Sensory Jump” evenings occur on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, from 6:30-7:45pm. Play areas are reserved for children and their families.  

To learn more, visit their website and to reserve tickets follow this link.  

 

Dr. Adam Guastella paid a visit to the UW READi Lab to share his autism experience and expertise. He is a clinical psychologist who holds the Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, and serves as head of the Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre. 

The READi Lab team (no, we are not in costume) enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Dr. Guastella, and enjoyed many interesting and inspiring conversations. 

This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 26.7% of the 8-year old children with autism have what is called “profound autism.” This term refers to children who are nonverbal, minimally verbal, or have a severe intellectual impairment.

We need this new category for increasing awareness that children with profound autism are underrepresented in autism research and intervention studies, despite having the greatest need for services and supports. This information is essential for improving policies, programs, and resources to provide support across the lifespan.

The report, titled “The Prevalence and Characteristics of Children with Profound Autism, 15 Sites, United States, 2000-2016,” was published in Public Health Reports, the official journal of the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S. Public Health Service.

Thanks to those who took the time to share some thoughts and messages, highlighting the strengths of autistic individuals in our community.  

Click here to share your own responses, and we will continue to post them (anonymously). 

This Friday, April 14th, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC) are hosting their 10th Annual Autism Awareness Month Special Event. This event is titled, A Portrait of Autism: Artists and Their Works. The event will feature 4 artists, who will talk about how their experiences as autistic individuals have shaped their artistic expression. The event will include a sampling of their artwork and a Q&A with the artists. 

The event is free and open to the public, though pre-registration is required. Here is the link to pre-register: https://iacc.hhs.gov/meetings/autism-events/2023/april14/register.shtml

Autism Acceptance Month is a great reminder to celebrate all individuals for their unique strengths. Together, we can help support autistic children and adults to lead fulfilling, inclusive, and meaningful lives.  

We invite you to share some thoughts and messages to highlight the strengths of autistic individuals in our community.  

Click here to share, and we will post responses (anonymous).  

Dr. Sarah Edmunds, a former graduate student of Dr. Stone’s, is now an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina. While at UW, she conducted many training workshops in Reciprocal Imitation Teaching (RIT) for Early Intervention providers in Washington State. We are delighted to learn that she is now conducting RIT workshops for Early Intervention providers in South Carolina! This photo shows Dr. Edmunds and her team, returning from a successful training.  Way to go, Sarah!

Karla Uroza, one of our Research Study Assistants is getting married! The READi Lab team hosted a surprise bridal shower with delicious food and great company. Cheers to the beautiful bride-to-be!

The READiLab is conducting a new study to compare the information obtained from autism diagnostic assessments conducted virtually and in person. We are looking for families in the Seattle area who have a child between 30-36 months old for whom there are questions about autism. As part of the study, caregivers will receive a free diagnostic evaluation for autism. This opportunity is available for a limited time only!

A flyer describing this study can be found here.

Shana Attar and Hannah Benavidez, two graduate students in the READi Lab, received an Academic Community Partnership grant award from the UW Institute for Translational Health Sciences (ITHS). In partnership with Mother Africa, a local non-profit organization, the research team will co-design culturally responsive, caregiver-focused educational materials to support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families with children who have social communication delays or autism. Through this grant, they will develop a novel route for dissemination of information and materials within non-profit organizations, which are often the preferred entry-point for accessing healthcare information and services for underserved populations.

Great job, Shana and Hannah!

Dr. Daina Tagavi, a postdoctoral scholar in the READi Lab, received a 2-year grant award from the Organization for Autism Research. The award title is: Development of a Behavioral Intervention Program for Families of Autistic Adults. The study aims to develop a protocol that would offer autistic adults and their family’s tools to promote adaptive skill development and decrease behaviors that may interfere with their engagement in desired activities, such as independence within the home and community.  

Way to go, Daina! 

For more information about this research opportunity, click here.