SC Autism Research Opportunities

Check out this video to learn more about Be the Change Charleston's mission, programs, & upcoming Winter Market on Saturday 12/9 at Beyond Distilling Company from 11-5!

VIDEO: Empowering, celebrating people with disabilities

The South Carolina Partnership of Disability Organizations (SCPDO) wants to hear your story. will be held at the SC State House (North grounds) on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, and they want to be sure our legislators know about the challenges that you face and the solutions that you need.

Please visit scpdo.org/shareyourstory to make “All Voices Heard!” (link in bio)

Riverlight Sensory Celebration 🎄✨
Riverfront Park | 6 Elm Street
December 7th at 5:30 pm

Riverlight Sensory Celebration is proudly sponsored by The City of Conway, Just Bee and SOS Care.

Riverlight Sensory Celebration 🎄
Riverfront Park | 6 Elm Street

Please Join Us on December 7th at 5:30 pm for Riverlight Sensory Celebration, a special holiday celebration for Autism & Neurodiversity Awareness.

The evening will include the lighting of the tree🎄, arts and crafts🎨, sensory-friendly activities tent, music🎶, hot chocolate☕, plus a visit from the one and only Santa Claus🎅!

Riverlight Sensory Celebration is proudly sponsored by The City of Conway, Just Bee and SOS Care.

A Master's student researcher at the University of West Florida is studying employees' sensory experiences in the workplace. Autistic and neurotypical employees are invited to participate.
Learn more about how to get involved with this study here: https://ow.ly/h7Xk50QcEPt

Want to participate in autism research? 🔎 The University of West Florida is studying employees' sensory experiences in the workplace. Autistic and neurotypical employees are invited to participate.

Learn more about how to get involved with this study here: https://ow.ly/h7Xk50QcEPt

ClemsonLIFE is looking for independent living assistants for next school year!

Apply online (https://www.clemson.edu/education/_documents/cu-life/2024-2025-ila-application.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0D-946227cO4otK2E7s7HOLr_nTcw4HvaXom-4De4TVJe6bgoze-6-0Yc) or reach out to [email protected] for more info.

Researchers from the AJ Drexel Autism Institute are recruiting participants for a study examining how young adults build social networks and collaborate with the people in their networks as they prepare for employment post-high school.

Learn more: https://drexel.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eCHQWBD6TOSjGAZ

Applications close November 30th! Apply today: https://www.fivefishfoundation.org/scholarships/

Please SHARE!
Only 5 days left to apply for our Spring Scholarships. We accept applications until November 30.

All info here:
https://www.fivefishfoundation.org/scholarships/

Every individual’s unique experience adds valuable insight to the research process.

To understand the full spectrum of autism ─ what makes us the same and what makes us different ─ large numbers of people need to participate.

Help to shape a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to autism care by participating in a research study today.

Mark your calendars!
🎅 Sensory-Friendly Santa with SPARK
🗓 Saturday, December 2nd
⏰ 12pm - 5pm

RSVP: https://redcap.link/SPARKSanta

Why is autism prevalence increasing? Listen to Dr. Gwynette address this question at the Autism & You Conference.

Video edited and distributed by the Autism News NetWORK.

Why is Autism Prevalence Increasing? Dr. Gwynette speaking at the Autism & You Conference.

TRIAD’s Families First program is hosting a free webinar next month: “Foundations of Learning and Behavior.” Join us as we discuss why behaviors occur and keep happening, how to teach new behaviors, and how to respond to unsafe behaviors. We will have time at the end of the webinar to chat with other caregivers and our TRIAD experts.

REGISTRATION LINK: https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=KDJTEYLA8FCMYKFE

This month, Families First is also focusing on strategies to improve mealtime routines. Check out our tip sheet about starting with small expectations. This resource can help you think about small goals when introducing new foods and how to involve the whole family to set your child up for mealtime success.

Are you a SC parent/caregiver of a student with a disability? Register to participate in this free virtual advocacy training from Family Connection of South Carolina on December 5th from 6-7pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-leadership-and-advocacy-training-tickets-740922989607?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thanksgiving is almost here! Check out these tips for preparing your autistic loved one for the holiday festivities. 🦃

All infants born in South Carolina are now screened for 54 different medical conditions shortly after birth 🧬

Learn more about newborn screening updates in SC from Dr. Neena Champaigne, Division Chief of Pediatric Genetics at MUSC.

Newborn screening update This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Neena Champaigne about newborn screening in S.C., which now tests for 54 disorders shortly after birth. Dr. Champaigne is an Associate Professor in the College of Medicine and Division Chief of Pediatric Genetics at MUSC.

What’s it like to get an autism diagnosis as an adult? Find out from some people in the SPARK autism study: https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/autism-diagnosis-adulthood/

• Are you a resident of South Carolina or North Carolina?

• Two parent/caregiver responsible for a child between 18 months and 8 years old who has received an Autism diagnosis within the past 12 months?

• If you answered YES to both questions, we are looking for you! We are currently seeking families from South Carolina and North Carolina to take part in our Peer-to-Peer Support research study.

• To find out more, please visit: https://www.asdfamresearch.com/navigating-asd-project

❓What’s Happening❓

🌟Nov. 12-18: Autism Friendly Events🌟

🌟Stay Connected! 🌟South Carolina & North Carolina 🌟

We will be posting local happenings each month in your area! 🎉

At the Autism and Family Lab we understand the importance of fostering a strong and supportive community for individuals with autism and their families. We believe that staying connected and being aware of local events and resources can greatly enhance the lives of those affected by autism.

Each month, we will be sharing a compiled list of happenings and events taking place in your area. Whether you're looking for sensory-friendly activities, educational seminars/trainings, social gatherings, or simply seeking to connect with other families and individuals in similar situations, we've got you covered!

We encourage you to check our pages regularly, as we will be updating it frequently with new and exciting happenings near you.

https://www.facebook.com/ASDFamilyLab?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://instagram.com/afl_at_usc?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

The 6th Annual Festival of Wreaths starts this week! Stop by to jumpstart your holiday shopping and support Care 🎁🎄

Mark your calendars! DDSN's 4th annual Holiday Market is next month! They will have creative crafts, sweet treats, and other cool items for sale, as well as valuable info for those with special needs. Don't miss out on the fun!

Want information about resources, opportunities, events, and advocacy delivered directly to your inbox? Subscribe to The Arc of South Carolina mailing list: tinyurl.com/arcscsubscribe

Subscribe to our email list to receive our newsletters and never miss an update. Learn about resources, opportunities, events, advocacy & more.

tinyurl.com/arcscsubscribe

Kids ages 3-17 are invited to submit a piece of custom-drawn artwork for the chance to have the design transformed into a limited-edition throw blanket! The Awesome Days Grand Prize Winner will receive $5,000 to put towards a bedroom makeover and a 1-year supply of Goodnites Bedwetting Underwear. Click the link to learn more and enter: https://bit.ly/45RKCun

** CONTEST ALERT! **
Goodnites and the Autism Society of America are excited to announce the ! Together with caregivers, we’re looking for kids ages 3-17 to submit a piece of custom-drawn artwork for the chance to have the design transformed into a limited-edition throw blanket! The Awesome Days Grand Prize Winner will receive $5,000 to put towards a bedroom makeover and a 1-year supply of Goodnites Bedwetting Underwear. Click the link to learn more and enter: https://bit.ly/45RKCun

Apply now for our Spring Scholarships. We accept applications Nov.1-30. Apply now and please share with any families that could benefit.

All info here:
https://www.fivefishfoundation.org/scholarships/

Dr. Gregory Wallace is seeking autistic adult participants to complete an online study.

You may qualify for the Compensation Skills in Autism study if you:
• Are on the autism spectrum (for example, Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, etc.), whether self-diagnosed or diagnosed by a health/educational professional
• Are at least 18 years old
• Do not have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability (Note: this does not include a learning disability, such as dyslexia)
• Live in the United States

Don't forget to RSVP for this month's SPARK for Autism webinar!

This month's webinar is coming up very soon! Join us!
📌 Health and Quality of Life in Middle-Aged and Older Autistic Adults with Lauren Bishop
📆 Wednesday, November 15th
🕛 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
Register via Zoom here: https://bit.ly/3sjS3wK
RSVP via Facebook Live here: https://fb.me/e/935dDMjsb

*Reminder: If you're unable to make it live, not to worry. As always, we record all of our webinars and post them on our social channels, website, and YouTube page.

See you soon!

Macie Moore, a clinical intern at The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development in Austin, Texas is conducting an independent inquiry project on food, feeding, and dietary intervention in children with ASD.

Each response is completely anonymous. Complete the survey at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2U5c4gOV60paFurSzcn2AGiijeMLUrlL0lb33k1-8VB60hA/viewform

"What does the research tell us about the experience of Black families of children with autism? And perhaps more importantly, how can my colleagues and I better meet the needs of Black families we serve?" -May Chriseline Beaubrun, MEd, BCBA

Click the link below for the full article.

Understanding the needs of Black families of children with autism May Beaubrun MEd, BCBA brings awareness to the issues experienced by Black families with children with autism.

GRAND OPENING! Park Circle Inclusive Playground 🤸‍♀️

Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10am in North Charleston, SC

The public is invited and encouraged to attend!

World’s Largest Inclusive Playground at Park Circle Set to Open – Grand Opening November 11, 2023 - Charleston Daily The City of North Charleston is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the eagerly awaited Park Circle redevelopment project, featuring the world’s largest inclusive playground, on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10am. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. “The transformation of Park...

The University of Massachusetts Boston is conducting a study on autism identity development and wellbeing of autistic youth and young adults.

Learn more about how to get involved with this study here: https://ow.ly/g7nq50PQTk0

Want to participate in autism research? 🔎 The University of Massachusetts Boston is conducting a study on autism identity development and wellbeing of autistic youth and young adults.

Learn more about how to get involved with this study here: https://ow.ly/g7nq50PQTk0

Study for Mothers and Daughters! Participants will complete a virtual interview and questionnaire, and will be compensated for their time.

Complete the prescreening survey to see if you qualify: https://redcap.link/camouflaging

This study is being conducted by Dr. Lee Mason and Alexis Bolds of Cook Children’s Health Care System and Texas Christian University’s Burnett School of Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas.

The purpose of this research is to determine whether we can accurately conduct language assessments via telehealth, and to better understand the differences in language development between children 2-7 years old with and without autism spectrum disorder.

Learn more: https://vox.timetap.com/ #/

Spectrum Sailing is focused on creating opportunities for Autistic individuals to learn to sail at no-cost to families. Check out the video below to learn more! ⛵️

Spectrum Sailing We met Scott Herman, the founder of Spectrum Sailing, in December of 2022. Spectrum Sailing is the first sailing camp specifically created to serve people on...

The USC Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab is enrolling families with babies 12 months old or younger with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and the fragile X premutation (FXpm) to learn more about early development! Their team is working to better understand how heart activity impacts early social communication, motor skills, and language skills as infants grow.

To learn more about our study, visit: https://uscnddlab.com/participate/

If you have questions or are interested in participating, email [email protected] or call 803-777-5676.

October is ADHD Awareness Month! Did you know that 50-70% of individuals diagnosed with autism also meet criteria for ADHD?

While ADHD can present challenges for both children and their parents, children with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support according to Dr. Rosmary Ros-DeMarize, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor with MUSC Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics.

Read the full interview: https://advance.muschealth.org/library/2023/october/adhd-awareness-month

Are you a resident of South Carolina or North Carolina? Are you part of a co-parenting team responsible for a child between 18 months and 8 years old who has received an Autism diagnosis within the past 12 months?

If you answered YES to both questions, the Autism and Family Lab is currently seeking families to take part in their Peer-to-Peer Support research study.

To find out more, please visit: https://www.asdfamresearch.com/navigating-asd-project

👻 Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treat this Sunday 10/29 at The Children's Museum of the Upstate 🍬

🎃 Learn more and RSVP at: https://tcmupstate.org/greenville/sensory-friendly-trick-or-treat/

Sensory-Friendly Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, October 29 at The Children's Museum of the Upstate
Families can use the following link to learn more and sign up:

https://tcmupstate.org/greenville/sensory-friendly-trick-or-treat/

The Penguin Study is a pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical study and is currently enrolling children ages 5 to 17.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate an investigational drug to determine if it may treat irritability and other behaviors in children and adolescents with ASD.

To be considered for the study, patients must:
- Be 5 to 17 years old
- Have been diagnosed with ASD
- Experience irritable behaviors associated with their ASD
- Have a parent or guardian able to participate as a study partner during the study
- Be able to swallow a medium-sized capsule

To begin the pre-qualification process, please click the link below:
https://penguinautismstudy.com/English/PreQualify.html

Low Country Friends and Families:

Sharing for our friends at Project Rex: MUSC Autism Spectrum.

Introducing The Penguin Study

The Penguin study, which is a pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical study, is currently enrolling children ages 5 to 17. The purpose of the study is to evaluate an investigational drug to determine if it may treat irritability and other behaviors in children and adolescents with ASD.

To be considered for the study, patients must:

Be 5 to 17 years old
Have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
Experience irritable behaviors associated with their ASD
Have a parent or guardian able to participate as a study partner during the study
Be able to swallow a medium-sized capsule

Study participation will last for up to 14 weeks, with a 6-week treatment period. Children who enroll in this study will receive either the study drug or placebo. A placebo looks like the study drug but has no impact on the person taking it. There will be no cost for the study drug or any study-related procedures. You may be compensated for your time and travel.

If your child completes the 6-week treatment period, they may be able to enroll in a 52-week, open-label extension study if they qualify. During this open-label study, there is no placebo. Children who enroll will receive the study drug, pimavanserin.

To begin the prequalification process, please click the link below:
https://penguinautismstudy.com/English/PreQualify.html

Are you a family in a rural area with a teenager (ages 13-18) with ASD living at home?

Clemson University's recreational therapy program is recruiting rural-dwelling families with teenagers with ASD to participate in their 8-week virtual research study. Parents/guardians will receive virtual coaching from a recreational therapist and learn how to lead nature-based activities with their families.

If you are interested in learning more about the study and/or participating, please contact Deborah Logan at [email protected] or 828-227-2481.

Online research opportunity!

The Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at MGH is conducting a study evaluating the benefits of a virtually-delivered resiliency program for parents who have children with ASD. Participation includes 8 virtual resiliency group sessions and the completion of 3 sets of questionnaires over the course of 6 months. Click the link below to complete the pre-screening survey!

If you have any questions, please contact Emma Chad-Friedman at 617-643-6036 or [email protected].

https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=JDMJNWY3MT

Attention families in/around Goose Creek!

Starting on August 12th, City of Goose Creek Recreation will dedicate private time in the gymnastics center to the therapeutic division every Friday from 12PM-2PM. This will function solely as open gym time, meaning participants are free to do as they wish without the structure of a designed program. You can attend for as long or as little as you would like!

Open gym is free, but please contact Hannah Miller at [email protected] to register.