For three days in May many of the world’s leading autism researchers converged on London for the 7th Annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), the single most important event for autism research, co-sponsored by Autism Speaks. A record number of 1,150 people attended the conference, which featured outstanding keynote speakers, several invited educational symposia and many oral presentations and poster sessions. This was the largest and most exciting IMFAR since the first conference was held in Florida in November 2002 – initiated by the parent groups that form part of Autism Speaks, NAAR and CAN. In just 7 years the field has made many important and exciting advances. Presentations covered a full range of topics: from genetics (including evidence for several new ‘risk’ genes), to environmental factors (e.g., immune response factors) that contribute to the underlying causes; from differences at the level of the cell to overall brain size and function; from behavioral patterns to new treatments and service delivery models for children and their families.
Even before IMFAR began satellite meetings were held, including one that focused on research and treatment studies for infants at high risk for autism and another that brought together epidemiologists from around the world who investigate the prevalence of autism and monitor changes in rates of diagnoses. These satellite groups drew on research networks (Baby Sibling Research Consortium; Epidemiology Network) that were created by Autism Speaks.
Researchers from the Boston area were very well represented at IMFAR 2008 (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard University). Our own group from Boston University School of Medicine contributed to 14 different poster and oral presentations covering the following topics: underlying brain pathology; neuroimaging studies; research on language; developmental and behavioral studies; impact of autism on the family; and several presentations from our collaborative project (with Children’s Hospital Boston) on infants at risk for autism.
We are all looking forward to IMFAR 2009, which will be held in Chicago next May. Not only is Autism Speaks an important sponsor of the meeting, but so many of the presentations and posters that I attended this year were made possible by funding from Autism Speaks. There is no doubt that Autism Speaks is the critical organization that is making the difference in advancing research and in the lives of families every day!
If you want to learn more about our own research see our WEBSITE. We are always looking for families interested in participating – especially for our infants at risk and brain imaging studies!
Helen Tager-Flusberg, Ph.D.
Board Member: Greater Boston Chapter, Autism Speaks
Director, Autism Research Center, Boston University.
It was found that infants who were later diagnosed with autism had a more rapid rate of head growth in the first 2 years of life than infants who did not develop autism. For example, they begin with average size head at birth, and enlarged head size by the preschool years. Monitoring head growth, can easily be done at a well-baby visit, and could be an early risk marker for autism in infants who have an older sibling with autism.
A computer intervention was presented by researchers at Yale University, who hope to teach facial recognition skills using a game in which children practice matching expressions and emotions. The data suggests it is effective at improving face processing.
For a full recap of the IMFAR events READ MORE
ADVOCACY
Autism Votes, an initiative of Autism Speaks that focuses on advocacy, launched a new website in March. The website is designed to keep the autism community abreast of a variety of governmental issues on both the state and federal level. As New England continues to grow their grassroots and work on state based initiatives, we will need your help out in the community.
Our goal is to have 10,000 advocates in New England signed up by the end of this year so that next year will be even more productive! Forward this information to your family, friends, business associates, teachers, therapists and neighbors. Even if they live in another state, their assistance at a grassroots level is very important as we work on a variety of issues!
Please take a moment to sign up for advocacy alerts today to find out how you can help in the near future by visiting HERE. This will keep you updated on legislative issues and is the best way that you can personally make a difference in legislation that impacts families. Thanks
Congratulations to the Greater Hartford for championing HB 5696, Autism Insurance reform and HB 5590, teaching children with autism and developmental disabilities to signing by Connecticut Governor, M. Jodi Rell. Special Thanks to Shannon Knall, Community Advocacy Chair for her untiring efforts.
FAMILY SERVICES
Interested in Participating in Local Research?
The online Family Services Resource Guide lists opportunities for families to make a significant contribution to scientific research. You can join a clinical trial, enroll in a research study, contribute to our rich genetic database, or participate online by adding your family information to a research database. While 90% of children with cancer are enrolled in clinical trials, only 5% of children with autism currently participate in research, which is why your participation will make a BIG difference! In addition to Autism Speaks’ initiatives such as the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) and the Clinical Trials Network (CTN), we also have studies listed for other research organizations at Harvard University and Yale University. Please visit AUTISM SPEAKS and click on “Participate in Research” to find a study near you!
Take Advantage of the Resource Library!
Family Services has developed a Resource Library to provide you with a variety of information and reference materials. The Resource Library includes the latest blogs, books, catalogs, DVDs/CDs, educational toys, magazines, manuals, toolkits, and autism websites. You can access the Resource Library. We hope you find it helpful! If you'd like to recommend
AWARENESS
LADDERS, 13th Annual Current Trends in Autism Conference, April 11, 12, 2008, Burlington, MA.
Vincent Goglia, New England Chapter Executive Director gave welcoming remarks to the several hundred attendees at this year’s conference which presented the most up to date, scientifically sound information in the field of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders to parents and professionals concerned about children, adolescents and adults whose diagnosis falls along the Autism Spectrum.
Speakers included: Margaret Bauman, MD, conference organizer; Timothy Buie, MD; Charles Henry, MD; Marvin Natowitz, MD, Ph.D and Sheldon Wagner, MD
Family Day at McCoy Stadium
Southern New England Community Leadership Committee invites you to their fifth Annual Family Day on Sunday, June 22, 2008. See flyer for details.(LINK to flyer)
Strike Out Autism Night
Greater Hartford community leadership Committee invites you to baseball action at Rock Cats Stadium for a game between New Britain Rock Cats and Binghamton Mets, Saturday, August 30, 2008 at New Britain Stadium (Link to flyer)
COMMUNITY/LOCAL
Light Up The Night
March 8, 2008
hosted by Teamsters Local 25
Boston, MA... raised $125,000.00. 875 Teamsters members enjoyed music, live and silent auctions and wonderful food. Teamster Local 25 President and Principal Officer Sean M. Obrien was proud and pleased with the results. He gave special thanks to Lt. Governor Tim Murray for taking the time to speak at the event.
Master of Ceremonies was WHDH-TV news anchor Randy Price who introduced the speaking program. Boxing Champ, Mickey Ward pulled the winning ticket for the Harley Davidson, which was won by John Perry, Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters Local 25.
Evening of Purpose
Ocean House Restaurant
Dennisport, MA
June 1, 2008...raised $100,000.00. It was a fantastic evening of entertainment, fun, auctions, raffles and culinary delights by Executive chef Anthony Silvestri all benefiting the New England Chapter.
Janet Hart-Barbato, owner of Ocean House and mother of Kristopher, the inspiration for the evening hosted 450 happy patrons. The highlight of the evening was a vocal duet from Kristopher and singer Pam Pryor.
Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism, June 8, 2008
More than 5000 walkers braved the extreme heat to walk in the Greater Hartford Walk Now for Autism. 218 teams raised $382,000. by walk day and much more money is expected to be sent in in the days ahead. Special thanks to the Co-chairs Noreen Simmons and Shannon Knall and to Logistics Chair, Diana Yeisley and Resource Fair coordinator, Beth Katten.
Vermont Walk Now for Autism, Saturday, June 14, 2008
More than 200 walkers in 23 teams gathered at Battery Park in Burlington Vermont to walk in support of Autism Speaks. More than $36,700. was raised by day’s end and more is expected to be collected in the days ahead Jill St. Thomas, event chair and her able walk committee organized a fabulous morning of fun and excitement. Special thanks to Jill St. Thomas-Benoit, Nancy Reino, Janet LaDuca, Eloy Iebeau, and Helena Haque-Campbell.
Vin Goglia
Executive Director, New England Chapter
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