Books - Autism Research Institute

Understanding and Treating Autism: Book Series

Nicole — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:31:16 +0000

A new book, titled Understanding and Treating Sleep Disturbances in Autism, is now available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers. The book is edited by ARI’s chief science officer, Stephen M. Edelson, and past ARI Board member, Jane B. Johnson, and consists of chapters written by leading experts in the autism field.

Sleep disturbance is a common challenge for those on the autism spectrum and can have a profound impact on quality of life. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate features of autism such as repetitive behaviors, can affect brain growth and negatively impact immune and metabolic functions.

With contributions from pioneering researchers and clinicians, this book provides a professional understanding of the impact of sleep deprivation on autistic people. It offers insight into the latest research and available treatments, including the potential solutions offered by pharmacotherapy, using polysomnography in sleep evaluation, and the role of physical disturbances such as pain in sleep disorders. Contributing authors take an in-depth look at current behavioral interventions for sleep problems, conduct an extensive review of sensory processing in relation to sleep disturbances, and offer a discussion and analysis of the role of nutrition and dietary advice.

This is the cutting-edge resource for professionals and academics seeking further insight into sleep disturbances and autism, exploring contemporary research and setting the groundwork for the most effective methods of treatment for individuals of all ages.

You can order your copy directly from Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Learn more about the book

ARI developed an online app for parents and practitioners based on the book Understanding & Treating Sleep Disturbances in Autism. Our free questionnaire helps identify potential care strategies for sleep issues commonly associated with autism. Visit the online app to learn more.

sleepdisturbances.com

Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism is edited by ARI’s executive director, Stephen M. Edelson, and past ARI Board member, Jane B. Johnson, and consists of chapters written by leading experts in the autism field. With a foreward by David Amaral, PhD, Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism summarizes the current perspectives and research on anxiety in autism including neurology, medical, immunology, gastrointestinal, nutrition, sensory, and behavioral.

Anxiety is a prevalent and often debilitating condition for individuals on the autism spectrum. This book promotes a multidisciplinary approach to intervention and treatment of the condition, providing a professional understanding of the underlying causes and available treatments.

Providing an invaluable resource for professionals and academics seeking further insight into anxiety and autism, this book explores contemporary research and sets the groundwork for the most effective methods of treatment for individuals of all ages.

You can order your copy directly from Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Learn more about the book

Self-Injury Book Edited By ARI Directors Addresses Challenging Behaviors

With contributions from the leading experts in research and treatment, Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior (2016) provides a comprehensive analysis of this poorly understood behavior in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related developmental disabilities, and the different methods available to treat them.

Experts praise Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior in ASD

“An essential resource”
Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain

“This book is long overdue.” Laurie Mawlam, Executive Director, Autism Canada “

… a ‘must read’ book for all practitioners who interact with families affected by ASD.” David G. Amaral, Ph.D., Research Director, The MIND Institute

Learn more about the book

ARI developed an online app for parents and practitioners based on the book Understanding & Treating Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism. Our free questionnaire helps identify potential care strategies for difficult behaviors commonly associated with autism. Visit the online app to learn more.

self-injuriousbehavior.com

Pictured:

Editors Stephen M. Edelson and Jane Botsford Johnson

Treatment of Elopement: Safety Tips and Considerations in Programming

Melanie Glock2025-04-16T15:20:26-05:00April 15th, 2025|Autism Spectrum Disorders, Challenging Behaviors, Parenting, Research, School Issues, Sensory, Ways to Help, Webinar|

Handouts are online HERE Description -- Elopement, running or wandering away from supervision, is an incredibly dangerous behavior that is prevalent among autistic youth. This talk will review preventative

Self-Regulation Strategies for Self-Injury

autismAdmin2025-04-23T13:23:10-05:00March 25th, 2025|Adults on the Spectrum, Anxiety, Assessment, depression, Meltdowns, News, Self Care, Self Injury, Self-Injury, Webinar|

Emily Ferguson, Ph.D., discusses self-regulation strategies for self-injurious behaviors (SIB). She outlines recent research on the frequency and distribution of different SIBs across a large sample, underscoring the importance of assessing individual behavior

Research Updates: Bringing Sleep and Autism into Community Settings

Melanie Glock2025-08-25T11:42:59-05:00March 17th, 2025|Autism Spectrum Disorders, News, Parenting, Self Care, Sensory, Sleep Issues, Social Skills, Ways to Help, Webinar|

Beth Malow, MD, shares current research updates on sleep and autism. She highlights the multifactorial nature of sleep patterns and how they affect daily functioning and core autism traits like emotion

Autism and Trauma: Research Updates

Melanie Glock2025-03-31T18:50:57-05:00March 11th, 2025|Adults on the Spectrum, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, bullying, Challenging Behaviors, Gender, Health, Research, Self Care, seniors, Sensory, Sexuality, Social Skills, Ways to Help, Webinar|

Dr. Connor Kerns delivers research updates on the intersection of trauma and autism. She describes the relationship between childhood adversities, trauma, and mental health and highlights the need for trauma measurements that are

Treating Autism and Related Conditions in Adults

autismAdmin2025-02-26T17:59:03-05:00February 25th, 2025|Adults on the Spectrum, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Gender, Health, Self Care, seniors, Sensory, Sexuality, Social Skills, Ways to Help, Webinar|

ARI board member Robert Hendren, DO, discusses approaches for appropriately supporting symptoms of Autism and related conditions in adults. Handouts are online HERE The

Wellbeing Wins: Integrating Positive Psychology into the Autism Community

autismAdmin2025-02-24T12:07:09-05:00January 2nd, 2025|Adults on the Spectrum, Anxiety, Anxiety, Back to School, depression, Executive Function, Health, Neurological, News, Self Care, Sleep Issues, Social Skills, Webinar|

Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, and Katie Curran, MAAP, introduce Proof Positive - The Autism Well-being Alliance. The speakers describe positive psychology, its impact on well-being, and why it matters for autistic

The post Understanding and Treating Autism: Book Series appeared first on Autism Research Institute.

Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism

autismAdmin — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:10:50 +0000

Pictured:

Editors Stephen M. Edelson and Jane Botsford Johnson

Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism, is now available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers. The book is edited by ARI’s executive director, Stephen M. Edelson, and past ARI Board member, Jane B. Johnson, and consists of chapters written by leading experts in the autism field. Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism summarizes the current perspectives and research on anxiety in autism including neurology, medical, immunology, gastrointestinal, nutrition, sensory, and behavioral.

With a foreward by David Amaral, PhD, and chapters co-authored by well-known advocates and pioneering researchers, contributors examine factors including sensory processing issues, sleep impairments, and the crossover between the autonomic nervous system and immune system. The book expands upon current areas of research, including immune activation and the role of environmental toxicants, dietary and nutritional support, the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, and individualized methods of managing stress and anxiety.

You can order your copy directly from Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

What was the initial inspiration behind Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism?

Anxiety is one of the most debilitating, challenging-to-treat conditions suffered by children, teenagers, and adults on the entire autism spectrum. We need to understand the various underlying reasons for anxiety in autism in order to provide appropriate and effective treatment for each individual. Interestingly, many sub-fields of autism address anxiety but they administer very different treatment approaches.

Since there are numerous reasons for anxiety, the most efficient and effective treatment approach can best be accomplished by taking a multidisciplinary perspective. This includes understanding their neurology (neuro structure, autonomic nervous system), biochemistry (immune, gastrointestinal), nutritional status, styles of sensory processing, and observable behavior. Once we can identify the most likely reason(s) for anxiety in each individual, we will then be better able to develop an effective treatment plan.

We are seeing a lot of parents and teachers feeling overwhelmed right now. If they are just beginning to understand the relationship between anxiety and autism, what are some small initial steps they can take to create a less stressful environment?

The chapter authors describe many conditions and behaviors typically associated with anxiety including gastrointestinal dysfunction, immune impairment, sensory dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, sleep disturbances, challenging behaviors, emotions such as worries and fears, and much more.

As evident throughout the book, the environment is often considered a major contributor to anxiety including excessive sensory stimulation, social interactions, and even the presence of toxic substances. These underlying reasons can likely be identified through neuro and biomedical assessments, direct observation (e.g., functional behavior analysis), interviews with care providers and teachers, and administering valid checklists and questionnaires.

Who do you think will benefit from Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism?

The book provides a thorough and detailed analysis of anxiety and is focused primarily on autism spectrum disorder. Given that anxiety is one of the most difficult-to-treat conditions associated with autism, any and all insight into understanding and treating this condition will be a valuable resource for physicians, therapists, parents, and those on the autism spectrum.

Read the first book in the series:
Understanding and Treating Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism

The post Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Autism appeared first on Autism Research Institute.