```json
{
"title": "Autism: Exploring Sensorimotor Features and Behavior",
"body": "🧠 NEW RESEARCH: Exploring the connection between sensorimotor features and behavior in autism!

💡 A recent webinar by the Autism Research Institute featured Dr. Bradley Ferguson discussing the impact of GI symptoms on behavior. These insights highlight the importance of considering underlying medical conditions when addressing behavioral challenges.

📌 Another Autism Research Institute webinar (March 1 will delve into sensorimotor features. Understanding these can help parents and caregivers create more supportive environments!

✅ Actionable tip: Pay attention to your child's sensory sensitivities and how they might be impacting their behavior. Small adjustments at home can make a big difference.

🌟 Consider keeping a journal to track potential triggers or patterns. Share this with your child's care team to develop personalized strategies.

🔗 https://www.autism.org/

💬 What strategies have you found helpful in addressing sensory sensitivities or GI-related behaviors in your child? Share your experiences!"
}
```

🎉 NEW COMMUNITY EVENT!

📌 Navigating the Sensory World: A Practical Workshop for Parents

📅 Date: 2026-04-10
🕐 Time: 100 - 110
📍 Location: Online

Join us for an interactive online workshop designed to help parents understand and support their autistic children's sensory experiences.

This workshop will cover:
- An overview of sensory processing and how it can differ in autistic individuals.
- Common sensory sensitivities and how they might manifest.
- Practical strategies for creating a sensory-friendly environment at home.
- Techniques for managing sensory overload and meltdowns.
- Resources and tools to further support your child's sensory needs.

Who should attend: Parents, caregivers, and family members of autistic children of all ages.

What you'll gain: A deeper understanding of sensory processing, practical strategies to implement at home, and a supportive community of fellow parents.

Format: This is a live, interactive workshop with opportunities for Q&A and sharing experiences. We'll use a combination of presentation, discussion, and practical exercises.

Special notes: This workshop is family-friendly. While it is designed for parents, older autistic children and teens are welcome to attend with their parents if they are interested. We will provide closed captions and visual aids to ensure accessibility.

💙 We'd love to see you there!

📚 EXPLORING NEW AVENUES FOR SOCIAL COMMUNICATION THERAPY

Recent research is exploring innovative therapies to improve social communication skills in children with autism. These interventions range from brain stimulation to play-based techniques, offering new hope for families.

🔬 WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

Several clinical trials are underway, focusing on different aspects of social communication:

✅ **Functional Neurogenesis Stimulation Therapy* This trial uses a noninvasive device to encourage new neuron growth, potentially improving social communication and reducing repetitive behaviors. Early results are promising. [1]
🔗 https://www.withpower.com/tria....l/phase-autism-spect

✅ **JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, Regulation) ± PROMPT* This compares play-based therapy alone to play-based therapy combined with speech-focused PROMPT, addressing speech challenges alongside social interaction. [2][4]
🔗 https://clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/autism
🔗 https://ucla.clinicaltrials.re....searcherprofiles.org

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

* **Diverse approaches* Research spans biological (brain stimulation) and behavioral (play-based) interventions.
* **Targeted outcomes* Studies aim to improve core symptoms like social communication, speech, and emotional regulation.
* **Personalized care* Trials like JASPER + PROMPT highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs.

🛠️ PRACTICAL TIPS

📌 **Stay informed* Keep up-to-date with the latest research and clinical trials in autism therapy.

📌 **Consult professionals* Discuss potential new therapies with your child's doctor or therapist.

📌 **Focus on individual needs* Remember that the best intervention is one that is tailored to your child's specific strengths and challenges.

📖 READ MORE

To learn more about these trials and other autism research, visit the following resources:
🔗 https://clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/autism
🔗 https://ucla.clinicaltrials.re....searcherprofiles.org

💬 What strategies have you found helpful in supporting your child's social communication development? Share your experiences!

📚 EXPLORING NEW AVENUES FOR SOCIAL COMMUNICATION THERAPY

Recent research is exploring innovative therapies to improve social communication skills in children with autism. These interventions range from brain stimulation to play-based techniques, offering new hope for families.

🔬 WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

Several clinical trials are underway, focusing on different aspects of social communication:

✅ **Functional Neurogenesis Stimulation Therapy* This trial uses a noninvasive device to encourage new neuron growth, potentially improving social communication and reducing repetitive behaviors. Early results are promising. [1]
🔗 https://www.withpower.com/tria....l/phase-autism-spect

✅ **JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, Regulation) ± PROMPT* This compares play-based therapy alone to play-based therapy combined with speech-focused PROMPT, addressing speech challenges alongside social interaction. [2][4]
🔗 https://clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/autism
🔗 https://ucla.clinicaltrials.re....searcherprofiles.org

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

* **Diverse approaches* Research spans biological (brain stimulation) and behavioral (play-based) interventions.
* **Targeted outcomes* Studies aim to improve core symptoms like social communication, speech, and emotional regulation.
* **Personalized care* Trials like JASPER + PROMPT highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs.

🛠️ PRACTICAL TIPS

📌 **Stay informed* Keep up-to-date with the latest research and clinical trials in autism therapy.

📌 **Consult professionals* Discuss potential new therapies with your child's doctor or therapist.

📌 **Focus on individual needs* Remember that the best intervention is one that is tailored to your child's specific strengths and challenges.

📖 READ MORE

To learn more about these trials and other autism research, visit the following resources:
🔗 https://clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/autism
🔗 https://ucla.clinicaltrials.re....searcherprofiles.org

💬 What strategies have you found helpful in supporting your child's social communication development? Share your experiences!

🌟 STANFORD'S AUTISM UPDATE: What's new in 2026?

Stanford University is hosting its annual Autism Update, focusing on the very latest breakthroughs in autism research and clinical practice. Here's a sneak peek:

✅ Early Biomarkers: Discovering objective ways to identify autism risk even earlier, potentially leading to earlier interventions.

✅ Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs): Exploring how play and everyday routines can be harnessed to support development.

✅ Sleep Issues: Addressing common sleep challenges in autistic individuals with new strategies and research.

✅ AI/LLM: Investigating how artificial intelligence and large language models can assist in diagnosis, therapy, and support.

This update brings together leading researchers and clinicians, translating cutting-edge science into practical strategies for families and professionals.

💡 Actionable Insight: Even without attending, stay updated! Follow autism research news and discuss findings with your care team to explore if new approaches might benefit your child.

💬 What topics would YOU like to see covered in autism research and conferences? Share your thoughts below!

🌟 STANFORD'S AUTISM UPDATE: What's new in 2026?

Stanford University is hosting its annual Autism Update, focusing on the very latest breakthroughs in autism research and clinical practice. Here's a sneak peek:

✅ Early Biomarkers: Discovering objective ways to identify autism risk even earlier, potentially leading to earlier interventions.

✅ Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs): Exploring how play and everyday routines can be harnessed to support development.

✅ Sleep Issues: Addressing common sleep challenges in autistic individuals with new strategies and research.

✅ AI/LLM: Investigating how artificial intelligence and large language models can assist in diagnosis, therapy, and support.

This update brings together leading researchers and clinicians, translating cutting-edge science into practical strategies for families and professionals.

💡 Actionable Insight: Even without attending, stay updated! Follow autism research news and discuss findings with your care team to explore if new approaches might benefit your child.

💬 What topics would YOU like to see covered in autism research and conferences? Share your thoughts below!

🎉 NEW COMMUNITY EVENT!

📌 Navigating Neurodiversity: A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Supporting Your Autistic Child

📅 Date: 2026-04-18
🕐 Time: 150 - 160
📍 Location: Online

Join us for an informative and supportive online workshop designed for parents and caregivers of autistic children. This workshop will provide practical strategies and insights to help you better understand and support your child's unique needs and strengths.

**What We'll Cover*
- Understanding Autism: Exploring the core characteristics of autism and dispelling common myths.
- Communication Strategies: Learning effective communication techniques to foster connection and understanding.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Identifying and addressing sensory sensitivities to create a more comfortable environment for your child.
- Behavior Supports: Developing positive behavior support strategies to promote independence and reduce challenging behaviors.
- Self-Care for Parents: Recognizing the importance of self-care and developing strategies to manage stress and maintain well-being.

**Who Should Attend*
This workshop is ideal for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and other family members who want to deepen their understanding of autism and learn practical strategies to support their autistic child.

**What You'll Gain*
- A deeper understanding of autism and its impact on your child.
- Practical strategies for communication, sensory support, and behavior management.
- Increased confidence in your ability to support your child's growth and development.
- Connection with other parents and caregivers who share similar experiences.

**Format*
This is a live, interactive workshop with opportunities for Q&A and group discussion. We encourage you to come prepared with your questions and experiences to share.

**Special Notes*
This workshop is free to attend and is designed to be family-friendly. We will provide breaks throughout the session and encourage you to create a comfortable and supportive environment for yourself and your child.

💙 We'd love to see you there!

📚 SUPPORTING PARENTS, SUPPORTING CHILDREN: THE ROLE OF SELF-REGULATION IN AUTISM INTERVENTION

Early intervention is crucial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent research highlights the growing importance of not only focusing on the child, but also on supporting parents' own well-being and self-regulation skills.

🔬 WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

➡️ Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) are increasingly integrating parent self-regulation into parent-mediated models. This approach recognizes that parents who are better able to manage their own stress and emotions are better equipped to support their child's development.

➡️ Researchers at Stanford are exploring how incorporating parent self-regulation techniques into early intervention programs can lead to improved outcomes for both parents and children. This includes using early biomarkers from infant research to tailor these interventions.

🔗 https://med.stanford.edu/autis....mcenter/annual-autis

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

✅ Parent self-regulation is not just about managing stress; it's about creating a more supportive and responsive environment for the child.

✅ NDBIs are shifting towards a more holistic approach that considers the entire family system.

✅ Early intervention programs are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing parental well-being.

🛠️ PRACTICAL TIPS

📌 **Practice mindfulness* Even a few minutes of daily mindfulness can help parents become more aware of their emotions and responses.

📌 **Seek support* Connect with other parents, therapists, or support groups to share experiences and learn coping strategies.

📌 **Prioritize self-care* Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time in nature.

📌 **Communicate effectively* Learn effective communication techniques to better understand and respond to your child's needs.

📖 READ MORE

➡️ Explore resources on mindfulness and self-compassion for parents.

➡️ Learn about NDBIs and how they integrate parent support.

➡️ Connect with local autism organizations for parent support groups and workshops.

💬 What self-regulation strategies have you found helpful in supporting your child with autism? Share your experiences below!