Please enjoy OARC’s quarterly newsletter, which includes updates on Autism Awareness Month, recent events, news, publications, and community participation opportunities.

OARC will host a Panel Presentation featuring four authors of the book Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism, and the author of Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum. Panelists will discuss their books and life from the perspective of a female on the spectrum.

The Presidential Proclamation of World Autism Awareness Day honors the millions of Americans living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and recognizes the need to improve early diagnosis and understand the challenges faced by individuals with autism.

The 2019 World Autism Awareness Day observance at UN Headquarters in New York focused on leveraging the use of assistive technologies for persons with autism as a tool in removing the barriers to their full social, economic and political participation in society, and in promoting equality, equity and inclusion.

Dr. Pelphrey discusses his connection to autism, recent findings, the biology of ASD in girls, and his experience as a member of the IACC.

This month's meeting will include an update from the CDC on the launch of a new autism data visualization platform, a presentation from the Federal Communications Commission, and a panel presentation on disability employment.

The INSAR 2019 Annual Meeting will feature presentations from prominent autism researchers, who will share the latest scientific advances.

The January meeting included a Housing Policy Update from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the TRICARE Autism Care Demonstration, and a panel presentation on wandering and criminal justice issues for people with disabilities.

The CDC launched a web-based, interactive data visualization platform with a focus on ASD. The platform will provide users with an opportunity to explore national and state-level data on ASD prevalence, and download data files.

The U.S. Department of Education will launch an initiative to address the possible inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion in our nation’s schools. The initiative will protect students with disabilities by providing technical assistance and support to schools, districts, and state education agencies, and strengthen enforcement activities.

A new study in rodents has shown that the brain’s cerebellum—known to play a role in motor coordination—also helps control the brain’s reward circuitry. Abnormalities in the cerebellum have been linked to autism, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.

The Report to Congress describes the efforts of Federal departments and agencies involved in ASD research, services and supports between fiscal years 2014 and 2018.

The 2018 IACC Summary of Advances provides lay-friendly summaries of studies representing the top 20 advances in ASD research as selected by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.

SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge) matches individuals with research studies based on characteristics such as age, diagnosis, medical history, and more. Their aim is to speed up research and advance the understanding of autism.

There are multiple opportunities available to participate in studies at NIMH, including studies related to autism and other disabilities.