You already know that grandparents are passionate about wanting the best programs and services for their families. But… there are many things you can do everyday to advocate for families … when you’re at home – and out in the community…

When you’re at Home:

• Go online to become better informed about autism and to learn about new discoveries and treatments
• Volunteer for research studies. Some are just simple, online surveys. The Family Autism Network’s website posts local research enrollment opportunities – from a variety of universities and other local sites.
• Participate in national and international studies by signing up at the Interactive Autism Network Project – and you will find even more available online.
• Register on the Autism Speaks website for notifications about pending legislation that will affect families AND contact your political representatives about how you want them to support or not support proposed legislation.
• Send an email to encourage and thank businesses that employ people with developmental disabilities – Reach out to other companies that you patronize -or where you have contacts – to encourage them to train or hire people with disabilities.

What can you do everyday to help In the Community?

• Attend and support autism conferences, workshops and training events. The Family Autism Network website has a Calendar of local events – and The Center for Autism offers outstanding programs for families. If events are not well attended, they most likely won’t be available in the future.
• If someone with a disability helped you when you were shopping, be sure to compliment that employee. Personally thank the store manager for their hiring policy before leaving.
• Do you belong to a philanthropic group that features speakers? Contact the Center for an autism professional who can schedule a presentation on a topic of interest.
• Check to see if your local Parks & Recreation Department offers programs for people with disabilities. If not, advocate for them.
• Eating Out? – is a child having a meltdown nearby? Do the parents need help? Offer to assist them. Express empathy, not criticism.
• Consider volunteering for a local autism event. If you’re available on October 22nd, GAN can use your help at the Spooktacular Social for Adults with Autism (16 years & Older) & Their Caregivers. Not available then? Check our calendar of events for additional community volunteer opportunities.

And, finally, the most important way I believe you can help the autism community everyday is to:

Talk publically with others about autism. When people hear the “A word” – very often – even strangers will reveal that they, too, have family members, neighbors or friends with autism. Speaking openly about autism helps to eliminate the stigma associated with autism – and makes others who are affected feel less isolated.

There are simply NO LIMITS as to how you can support people with autism in our community. Your generous financial contributions tonight – and daily advocacy – will help to ensure that individuals with autism – will have a better quality of life –

… and a future with NO LIMITS!

By Alycia Halladay, PhD, Chief Science Officer, Autism Science Foundation

Males are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than females, but the reason why is unclear. A few years ago, a genetics study showed that females with ASD have a higher number of genetic mutations than males.¹ This finding led to the “female protective effect” hypothesis, which says that girls must have a higher number of genetic mutations in order to be diagnosed with autism. This hypothesis led investigators to compare the brains of males and females for evidence of the protective effect.

Most genetic studies look at DNA or RNA from saliva or blood. Because fewer females than males are diagnosed, fewer samples of female brain tissue are studied, and scientists understand less about females with autism. Through the resources of Autism BrainNet, Dr. Cyndi Schumann and colleagues were able to compare the brains of males and females.² Schumann’s project found a higher number of potentially harmful genetic mutations in females in a newly discovered form of genetic material called microRNA. Surprisingly, the mutations were not found in genes known to be involved in autism. Rather, they were found in genes related to immune system function.

These findings are consistent with other studies of the brains of males and females with ASD. For example, Donna Werling and Daniel Geschwind discovered that gene expression changes between males and females were not in identified autism risk genes.³ They were in genes that trim and shape neurons and control how they connect. The genes carry out these functions by regulating microglia–the major cell of the immune system in the brain.

Both studies highlight the importance of studying the human brain to understand autism. Also, the causes of the disparity in diagnosis in males and females might have more to do with the way that male and female brains work and less to do with autism risk genes. Finally, since there is a difference in the biology of autism in males and females, females may need different, specialized interventions and treatments. What is discovered in boys doesn’t necessarily reflect what is going on in girls.

Autism BrainNet is an organization that coordinates the essential aspects of ASD brain tissue research. Without Autism BrainNet, understanding the brains of females with autism would not be possible. Please consider registering to receive more information about brain tissue research and donation at www.takesbrains.org.

References:

1. Iossifov, I., O’Roak, B. J., Sanders, S. J., Ronemus, M., Krumm, N., Levy, D., … Wigler, M. (2014). The contribution of de novo coding mutations to autism spectrum disorder. Nature, 515(7526), 216–221. Abstract
2. Schumann, C. M., Sharp, F. R., Ander, B. P., & Stamova, B. (2017). Possible sexually dimorphic role of miRNA and other sncRNA in ASD brain. Molecular Autism, 8, 4. Abstract
3. Werling, D. M., & Geschwind, D. H. (2013). Understanding sex bias in autism spectrum disorder. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 110(13), 4868–4869. Article
4. Jacquemont, S., Coe, B. P., Hersch, M., Duyzend, M. H., Krumm, N., Bergmann, S., … Eichler, E. E. (2014). A Higher Mutational Burden in Females Supports a “Female Protective Model” in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. American Journal of Human Genetics, 94(3), 415–425. Article

Photo credit: Used with permission of family

By Bonnie Malkin Gillman, Founder

Every April people around the world raise awareness about autism. Global landmarks, businesses and homeowners are encouraged to light up their properties in blue and some people wear blue clothing to show their support for autism. April may be designated to inform the public about autism but our families cope with autism every day. I believe we can do more to increase support for our families.

As a grandparent, I suggest that we personally expand outreach in our communities and share information about autism whenever there are opportunities. Revealing to others that our families are affected by autism improves understanding and helps to eliminate the stigma some feel is associated with having a relative with autism. In my experience, sometimes just saying “autism” out loud in public draws interest, even from strangers who either have family members with autism or who are interested in learning more about how it impacts families. Speaking publicly about how our families are affected is a simple and effective way to encourage others to increase their understanding and support for autism year-round.