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.

 

Meet Carly, a former behavioral technician, and an aspiring clinical psychologist. She joined our READi lab team just before the holidays, and we’re so excited to have her! Learn a bit about her below.

 

You’re new to the team! What are your motivations for joining the READi lab?

I have known that I’ve wanted to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology since my third year in undergrad, but I knew that I needed more research experience before jumping into school again. After working as a behavioral technician with children with autism for the last few years, I knew that I wanted to continue doing so. The READi lab is doing some amazing work, and getting to be a part of a team as great as this and learning from some incredible researchers made it the perfect place for me!

 

Will you tell us a bit about your favorite experiences as a behavioral technician?

Working as a behavioral technician was overall an incredible experience, but the best part was watching the kids learn and grow in real-time! I was able to teach skills that the kids will use for the rest of their lives, which felt impactful and made the job that much more fulfilling. Working directly with kids made for lots of laughs which kept everyday fun and exciting!

 

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I have two cats who I adopted through a cat cafe when I was living in Santa Barbara. They are sisters named Ygritte and Yara and they definitely have loved moving up here!

 

Did you pick up any new hobbies during the COVID quarantine?

I didn’t pick up anything new, but I did rediscover my love for reading and have acquired quite the library over the past year or so!

 

Share with us two truths and a lie!

I’ve never broken a bone

I was the first person in my family to graduate with a college degree

I spilled soup on Rob Lowe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(It wasn’t soup, it was salsa!)

Please see our 2021 research highlights below! We’re available for questions or feedback at readilab@uw.edu.

 

Visiting with Santa is a common holiday tradition for many families, but some children may be wary of the larger crowds and accompanying noises. And that’s excluding the new constraints that many families are facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sensitive Santas are those who are trained to accommodate children with sensory needs and whose workshops are a bit more soothing. Jessica Plesko with Parent Map Magazine recently published a list of all the Sensitive Santas around Seattle, the Eastside, and the South Sound.

There are options for adults with disabilities, as well as for scheduling virtual and at-home visits with Santa, too!

 

Earlier this month, the CDC published current autism prevalence numbers in the United States. As of 2018, one child in 44 was diagnosed with autism. This number has increased from one in 54 children in 2016.

Many people are curious about why these numbers are increasing. Peter Hess and Angie Voyles Askham with Spectrum News break down the reasons for these increases. Autistic people have always existed, but experts agree that we’re becoming better at identifying autism.

Read the summary on Spectrum’s website by following this link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Grandparents are significant role models and playmates for their young grandchildren. It is common for a grandparent to be unsure of how to support and connect with their grandchild after a new autism diagnosis.

Autism Speaks published ‘A Grandparent’s Guide to Autism’ that includes information about autism, tips on how to support autistic grandchildren and their parents, and long-distance grandparenting.

This free toolkit is available for download on the Autism Speaks’ website.

 

A recent commentary entitled, “Rethinking autism spectrum disorder assessment for children during COVID-19 and beyond” was published in the journal Autism Research in September 2021. Drs. Wendy Stone and Lisa Ibanez are two of the co-authors of this opinion piece. The article described the challenges imposed on autism families and clinicians by the COVID-19 pandemic and by documented health disparities. The budding role of telehealth in autism assessments to mitigate these challenges is also discussed.

Spectrum News recently published a Q & A with two of the authors of the article, Drs. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum and Somer Bishop that you can read here: Q & A on Spectrum. Look for the shout-out to our very own Dr. Ibanez, who emphasizes that the COVID-19 pandemic offers a good starting point for hitting the “re-set” button for rethinking the goals of autism assessments and providing equitable access.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Many children with autism struggle to get a restful night’s sleep. Why is sleeplessness so prevalent in autistic children?

In their special report animation titled ‘Sleepless on the Spectrum’, Emma Bryce and Lottie Kingslake with Spectrum News break down the internal factors and environmental reasons why autistic people may struggle to fall asleep and to stay asleep, as well as share a few tips and tricks to help autistic loved ones get the rest they need.

Access this video and other featured reports at this link!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

‘Different: A Great Thing to Be!’ introduces us to Macy, a kind and relatable girl who celebrates what makes her unique. Written by Heather Avis and narrated by Lily Moore, Macy’s story is available for free download as an audiobook through Audible’s Premium Plus trial.

Follow this link to read the story summary and learn more about the Audible trial.

This children’s book is New York Times Bestseller and physical books are available for purchase through most bookstores as well.