News

- Feb 06, 2026
  A new grant from the Miranda Family Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Hispanic Federation, led by award-winning artist and philanthropist Lin-Manuel Miranda, will support the public launch of an innovative, evidence-based improvisational theater program for autistic youth through the Social Connections & Treatment Lab at 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.
- Jan 22, 2026
  After receiving evidence-based early interventions, roughly two-thirds of non-speaking kids with autism speak single words, and approximately half develop more complex language, according to a new study led by researchers at 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.
- Nov 07, 2025
  The University-wide initiative now enters full implementation with curriculum redesign, college integrations and preparation for a 2027 launch.
- Oct 17, 2025
  As screening and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) grows, a new national initiative tapping Drexel expertise aims to yield new insights for many of the 1 in 45 adults and 1 in 35 children in the United States living with autism. The role that both genetic factors, as well as environmental influences, play in development of autism are the focus of a new $50 million Autism Data Science Initiative (ADSI) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Drexel researchers with expertise studying the intersection of these exposures will be among those leading the new effort.
- Aug 14, 2025
  To better understand the communication difficulties experienced by autistic adults and help the clinicians and researchers who have autistic people in their lives, researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute reviewed recent research on the subject and crafted a set of recommendations.
- Jul 21, 2025
  Some autistic teens often adopt behaviors to mask their diagnosis in social settings helping them be perceived — or “pass” — as non-autistic. For the first time, researchers from 91��Ƭ��'s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute are able to observe brain functions that differ in those who “pass as non-autistic,” which could lead to a better understanding of the cognitive toll of this kind of masking, and of how these individuals could be more effectively supported.
- Jul 17, 2025
  Researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute examined hospitalizations for mental health conditions in autistic adults to understand what features are associated with an increased risk for readmission to the hospital within a month of the initial discharge.
- Jul 11, 2025
  In a new study, published in PLOS One, autistic adults describe the intense mental effort it takes to navigate nonverbal communication. Researchers from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and Rowan University, reviewed 362 firsthand accounts on the online forum WrongPlanet.net, where autistic adults openly talk about communication challenges.
- April 08, 2025
- Feb 12, 2025
  In a study of more than 3.5 million adults, researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and George Washington University (GWU) found that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was highly elevated among adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- Jan 08, 2025
  Researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute examined how many autistic people in the United States received housing support from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to explore their experiences and health outcomes.
- December 20, 2024
- December 06, 2024
- November 22, 2024
- November 22, 2024
- Nov 14, 2024
  New research from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found that the use of standardized autism screening during pediatric well-child visits identifies more children with high autism likelihood at a younger age, including those presenting with more subtle symptoms.
- October 31, 2024
- Oct 17, 2024
  The Autism Transitions Research Project, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and led by 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, has released new findings that underscore critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic youth into adulthood.
- September 26, 2024
- Sep 24, 2024
  Since arriving at the University in 2010, the president has contributed to and overseen a rich variety of advancements that transformed the University’s campus, culture and community.
- September 20, 2024
- Sep 03, 2024
  Led by researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, a recent study aimed to examine associations of prenatal fish consumption and omega-3 supplement use with autism diagnosis and broader autism-related traits in children.
- August 29, 2024
- August 29, 2024
- Aug 15, 2024
  Researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s Policy and Analytics Center in the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute examined Medicaid data to identify perinatal and postpartum outcomes among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.
- Aug 01, 2024
  91��Ƭ��’s Transition Pathways at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Goodwin College of Professional Studies and other Philadelphia partners will develop manufacturing job training programs and help jobseekers with disabilities obtain employment with funding from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant.
- July 15, 2024
- June 27, 2024
- June 27, 2024
- May 30, 2024
- Apr 30, 2024
  Drexel researchers join UNC in National Institutes of Mental Health-funded project to examine racism and resilience among Black autistic children and their families.
- April 29, 2024
- April 29, 2024
- April 26, 2024
- March 28, 2024
- February 15, 2024
- February 14, 2024
- Feb 12, 2024
  Recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics, researchers at 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, in collaboration with George Mason University’s Department of Social Work and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work, engaged an intersectional analysis to examine foster care involvement among youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (including autism) and how it has evolved in the United States using a cross-section of 2016 national Medicaid claims data.
- January 30, 2024
- Dec 14, 2023
  This update offers a snapshot of activity courtesy of the Office of the Provost and the Office of University and Community Partnerships.
- December 14, 2023
- December 14, 2023
- December 14, 2023
- December 11, 2023
- November 20, 2023
- November 20, 2023
- November 20, 2023
- November 20, 2023
- November 10, 2023
- Nov 02, 2023
  91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute was awarded a $2.1 million National Institutes of Health Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program grant to continue follow-up of children enrolled in three cohort studies dedicated to understanding outcomes among younger siblings of autistic children.
- October 30, 2023
- October 30, 2023
- Oct 23, 2023
  Researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute have examined the reach and accuracy of TikTok videos providing informational content about autism and found that most of the information provided does not align with current clinical knowledge.
- October 19, 2023
- October 19, 2023
- October 19, 2023
- Oct 02, 2023
  At Drexel’s annual ceremony marking the start the academic year, speakers shared their personal encounters with the power of partnerships and collaboration.
- September 28, 2023
- September 26, 2023
- September 21, 2023
- September 21, 2023
- September 21, 2023
- September 21, 2023
- September 21, 2023
- Aug 09, 2023
  From 2008-16 an estimated 1.98 million autistic adults — or 99%, of those who likely needed employment services — did not receive support through Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation Administration, a new study from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute finds.
- Jul 31, 2023
  In the latest edition of the National Autism Indicators Report series, researchers at 91��Ƭ��’s Policy and Analytics Center (PAC) at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute examined changes in access and disruptions to health care services for autistic children and adults during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- June 30, 2023
- Jun 16, 2023
  Drexel professors were recognized for their academic and professional achievements.
- Jun 05, 2023
  In continuing to examine how autistic individuals use Medicaid, recent research from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute has identified a trend in intellectual disability (ID) diagnoses among autistic young people that is likely indicative of a system-wide problem that makes it difficult for them to maintain coverage into adulthood.
- Apr 18, 2023
  The Policy, Analytics and Community Research Program at 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion collaborated to enhance a unique intervention optimizing supports delivered by autistic adults to other autistic adults and expand the intervention in Philadelphia.
- Mar 14, 2023
  In the latest edition of the National Autism Indicators Report series, researchers at 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute explore how autistic individuals use Medicaid and how their service use changes across the lifespan – from infants to older adults – using data from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) from 2008-2016.
- Mar 13, 2023
  Recently published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� examined whether state-level waivers were associated with reduced risk of Medicaid disenrollment among autistic transition-age youth.
- Feb 20, 2023
  Newly published in JAMA Pediatrics, a study by Andrea Wieckowski, PhD, Diana Robins, PhD and their co-authors systematically reviewed and analyzed factors that may lead to different performance estimates of the M-CHAT(-R/F) tests. the most commonly used autism-specific screening tool for young children.
- Feb 17, 2023
  A French course has brought together students and West Philadelphia's native French-speaking West African community, both in and out of the classroom.
- December 07, 2022
- Nov 17, 2022
- Oct 12, 2022
  91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute explored ways to improve interactions between autistic individuals and the justice system, which led to the recently published policy brief, “Autism and the Criminal Justice System: Policy Opportunities and Challenges,” with wide reaching recommendations and considerations for the broader justice system.
- September 14, 2022
- Sep 13, 2022
  Autistic youth experiencing mental health crises face higher risks and are more likely to have negative interactions with police. To identify how police departments and other non-police community partners – like school districts and community crisis centers – are supporting autistic youth in suicidal crisis, researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute aimed to develop and test a new county-level social network measure of care coordination.
- September 09, 2022
- Sep 09, 2022
  91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute was awarded a 5-year, $10 million Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) award from the National Institutes of Health to understand and reduce barriers to good health and health care access for people with autism. The project titled “Public Health and Autism Science advancing Equitable Strategies across the life course” (PHASES) will employ a public health research framework to examine health determinants, health services delivery and health inequity – especially in under-represented diverse populations – and the impact of these forces on autistic people’s health outcomes.
- September 09, 2022
- Sep 08, 2022
  91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute recently received a $2.5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fund the Institute’s Autism Transitions Research Project for an additional five years to address a “services cliff” that many transition-age autistic youth face.
- September 08, 2022
- May 20, 2022
- May 13, 2022
  A.I. drug development…SARS-CoV-2 research…comparative autism studies… Three international scholars from Brazil and Pakistan share how Drexel opened doors to research and professional opportunities not available in their home countries.
- May 03, 2022
  Researchers from 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute recently published a study identifying the differences between autistic adults who reported COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and those who were vaccination hesitant.
- Apr 18, 2022
  The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), within UCLA Health’s Department of Medicine, and the Health Services Systems Node of AIR-P, based at the Policy and Analytics Center at 91��Ƭ��’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, have released the latest National Autism Indicator’s Report using national data to highlight the intersection of autism, poverty, race/ethnicity and their compounding impact on health and health care.
- April 14, 2022
- April 11, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- Dec 16, 2021
 Using Medicaid data, researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute identified health, nutrition and psychiatric conditions that varied in prevalence. They found a higher prevalence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity by race.
- Dec 06, 2021
 Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute recently published a study on the social networks of professional development providers who coach teachers to implement evidence-based teaching practices (EBPs) in their classrooms for their autistic students. When professional development providers have strong networks of professional support, they can potentially gain access to helpful resources to provide higher quality, successful individualized coaching for teachers.
- Nov 11, 2021
 Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� recently published research that identified the experiences of autistic individuals and their caregivers across their interactions with the criminal justice system through analysis of a statewide survey in Pennsylvania, including as victims of an interaction, criminal offenders and witnesses to a crime, with respondents reporting both positive and negative experiences.
- October 28, 2021
- Sep 27, 2021
 Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� investigated if the "team-around-the-child" - the parents, school staff and community providers - was associated with perceived successful school transitions for children with autism from lower income families.
- Aug 31, 2021
 Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� released the latest National Autism Indicators Report highlighting the importance of mental health care in autistic children and adults. The report found high rates of mental health conditions in autistic children and adults and persistent disparities in mental health and health care by race and ethnicity.
- Aug 30, 2021
 Autistic adults, adults with intellectual disability, and adults with mental health diagnoses have multiple risk factors for infection with COVID-19 and for experiencing more severe disease if they contract COVID-19, according to research from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ��.
- Aug 12, 2021
 Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� reviewed how states use Medicaid programs to address the needs of the growing population of adults on the autism spectrum by looking at data sources from 2004-2015 to determine what services and programs were available and how policy changes may impact outcomes of individuals with ASD receiving services.
- Aug 10, 2021
 The University’s holistic approach helps neurodivergent Dragons adjust and prepare for college and employment.
- July 21, 2021
- June 23, 2021
- May 25, 2021
- May 25, 2021
 In the latest National Autism Indicators Report, researchers from 91��Ƭ��'s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found families of autistic adults who use Developmental Disability services face gaps in services and supports, lack of emergency planning and barriers to community participation.
- April 15, 2021
- Mar 15, 2021
 Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute collected and reviewed published research about how autistic youth and adults use the internet to communicate and provide a framework for understanding contributions, gaps and opportunities in online autistic communities.
- December 14, 2020
 The Alliance of Autism College to Employment Programs (a.k.a. The Alliance) is a new association for research-minded practitioners who are dedicated to autistic college students' success and building inclusive campus communities.
- Dec 01, 2020
 In the recently published sixth report in the National Autism Indicators Report series, researchers from 91��Ƭ��'s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute highlight a holistic picture of what health and health care look like across the life course for people on the autism spectrum.
- Oct 15, 2020
 Using administrative data from the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX), researchers from 91��Ƭ��'s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found a substantial increase in the percent of adults receiving services for autism in the Medicaid population from 2008-2012.
- Aug 31, 2020
 Just over $100,000 was awarded to 22 faculty and professional staff through Drexel's Rapid Response Research & Development Fund.
- August 25, 2020
 This year, in honor of Juneteenth, and Drexel’s commitment to the necessary examination and eradication of racial inequalities, Drexel's Rapid Response Research & Development Fund focused on racial equity projects.
- Aug 17, 2020
 A new study from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� has laid the groundwork to show how interpersonal relationships, and the resources they provide, could impact autistic youth's adult outcomes.
- Jun 09, 2020
 A new report from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� highlighted the financial challenges facing households of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States. According to the report, households of children with ASD experience higher levels of poverty, material hardship and medical expenses than households of children with other special health care needs.
- February 11, 2020
 A study co-authored by Dr. Elizabeth McGhee Hassrick, an Assistant Professor in the Life Course Outcomes Research Program Area was listed as one of Autism Speaks Top 10 Autism Studies of 2019.
- Jan 22, 2020
 Starting this month, the committee working on Drexel’s new 10-Year Strategic Plan will begin meeting with colleges and schools to seek input on how Drexel should navigate the upcoming crucial decade.
- Nov 20, 2019
  The professor and research program leader at the Institute had been serving as interim director this year and joined the Drexel faculty in 2014.
- Nov 14, 2019
  The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) has awarded a competitive grant to local leaders from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the Philadelphia Police Department, who are working to improve interactions between autistic individuals and the justice system, and fund international meeting in Philadelphia 2020.
- July 31, 2019
  A new pilot program through the Autism Institute's Clinical Core offers fellows in Drexel's College of Medicine first-hand experience on how an autism diagnosis is made.
- July 18, 2019
  Autistic voices and perspectives are critical in shaping a service system that can effectively meet their needs.
- July 10, 2019
  
  The Autism Institute plugs parents of children on the autism spectrum into studies that show them how to use autism interventions at home.
- May 29, 2019
  This month's installment of the “Heard Around Campus” feature contains information about University awards and recently completed construction projects.
- Apr 29, 2019
  In this roundup of Drexel events and news, you can learn about professional and personal opportunities available through the University, including the inaugural Director of the Teaching and Learning Center and a last call to register for the 2018 Eagles Autism Challenge.
- Apr 15, 2019
  Youth with autism often have difficulty finding and keeping employment, making Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, like job placement, essential. New research from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found Vocational Rehabilitation services across states vary dramatically leaving some young adults without support.
- April 04, 2019
  John Burke and his wife spent eight years in a legal battle to ensure that their son with autism received appropriate services in school. They paved the way for insurance coverage for autism services in Pennsylvania.
- Apr 04, 2019
  On World Autism Day (April 2) the Eagles Autism Challenge announced eight projects to be funded after being evaluated by an independent scientific advisory board comprised of top autism researchers. Of the eight total projects funded, three will be led by researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.
- Mar 20, 2019
  In gearing up for the second year of the Eagles Autism Challenge and 91��Ƭ��’s involvement, participants from last year’s events shared their tips for fundraising and training for the event.
- Mar 13, 2019
  The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute releases The National Autism Indicators Reports every year since 2015. The recently released fourth edition, "The 2018 National Autism Indicators Report: High School Students on the Autism Spectrum," highlights the challenges facing minority youth and those from low-income households.
- Dec 07, 2018
  As many as 1 in 40 children in the United States have been diagnosed with autism, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with researchers from 91��Ƭ��, Harvard Medical School and George Washington University. The report, based on data from the DHS’s 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, seems to confirm a decades-long trend of increasing autism diagnoses among children in the United States.
- November 27, 2018
  Males are about four times as likely as females to be diagnosed with autism, but experts still don’t know why. Researchers explored what role male sex hormones play in autism risk.
- Nov 13, 2018
  With the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute partnering with the Eagles for the second Autism Challenge, 91��Ƭ�� faculty and staff once again have the opportunity to participate in the race and get involved.
- Oct 22, 2018
  Diana L. Robins, PhD, professor and research program leader at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ��, will take over as interim director, effective Jan. 1.
- Oct 05, 2018
  Celebrate the unifying power of music with fellow autism supporters, music lovers and friends of Drexel at the second annual Roots, Rock & Research benefit concert at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at World Café Live.
- October 03, 2018
  Drexel Autism Support Program Director Amy Edwards offers tips on diplomatically directing students with autism towards helpful campus resources.
- August 28, 2018
  
  Researchers explore the potential link between a father's genes and autism risk.
- August 22, 2018
  After her daughter's early autism diagnosis through a study at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Amanda Crouse says autism awareness has become her life.
- Jul 12, 2018
  Check out what news and updates faculty and staff should be aware of from last term.
- July 10, 2018
  Autism Institute staffer Katherine Sand reviews Netflix's show featuring a boy on the autism spectrum in anticipation of season two.
- June 12, 2018
  
  Autism Institute Staffer Elizabeth Kauffman reflects on the visionary science presented at the 2018 INSAR meeting.
- Jun 04, 2018
  The Philadelphia Eagles' inaugural ride, run and walk raised $2.5 million for autism research that will be done by a trio of beneficiaries that includes the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.
- May 30, 2018
  Project SEARCH, a program through the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute which provides training and on-the-job experience to Philadelphia public high school students on the autism spectrum, provides benefits to both the participants and involved Drexel departments through internship experiences.
- May 23, 2018
  At a recent meeting, the Board of Trustees extended President John Fry’s contract through 2023.
- May 22, 2018
  A new Drexel study aims to understand more about the communication that families with autism spectrum disorders need during disasters.
- May 21, 2018
  The first Eagles Autism Challenge was a success, raising $2.4 million and counting.
- May 21, 2018
  Despite heavy downpours at points during the morning, thousands turned up for the Eagles Autism Challenge to support research at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.
- May 09, 2018
  
  The Philadelphia Autism Project's first ever art show included over 80 works of art on display at City Hall during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
- May 03, 2018
  With the Eagles Autism Challenge less than three weeks away, our philanthropy expert Meredith Bloom offers practical tips on how to boost your fundraising game.
- April 27, 2018
  Work by Dr. Diana Robins and Dr. Craig Newschaffer was included in the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee's 2017 report on the top 20 breakthroughs in autism research.
- April 18, 2018
  Dr. Jennifer Plumb's race to the finish line in the Eagle's Autism Challenge on May 19 is also an exercise in making Philadelphia a true hub of autism research.
- April 11, 2018
  
  A new study is one of the first to look at prenatal levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acids that are critical to brain development in relation to autism risk. Maternal diet is the main source of these fatty acids for the developing brain.
- April 11, 2018
  Dr. Paul Shattuck’s research seeks to understand the service needs of adults with autism, and the range of health and social outcomes they typically experience.
- April 11, 2018
  
  The Early Detection and Intervention research program seeks to link early screening to early diagnosis, which will lead to earlier and more effective interventions.
- April 11, 2018
  National news and local crises have reported that first responders, including police officers, may not be prepared to understand how autism may present in a crisis or how to take the first steps to help. The Policy and Analytics Center is tackling this issue head-on.
- April 11, 2018
  
  A new collaboration with 91��Ƭ�� enabled youth with autism to participate in the Student Conservation Association's Philadelphia area crews – something that has never been done before.
- April 11, 2018
  Jackie Abrams's passion for transition services drives her to bike and fundraise for the Eagles Autism Challenge on May 19.
- April 11, 2018
  A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Director Dr. Craig Newschaffer is one of the world’s premier autism researchers. He focuses on identifying modifiable risk factors that might lead to the prevention of adverse behavioral effects in certain individuals with autism.
- April 11, 2018
  
  Support systems for students with autism who are transitioning from pre-K to kindergarten and from middle to high school can be disrupted. One project aims to measure and build supportive networks that bridge home, school and community.
- April 11, 2018
  Measuring chemicals in the body that start accumulating as early as the 12th week of pregnancy could reveal parts of the largely unknown environmental contribution to autism.
- April 11, 2018
  A study currently underway investigates the kind of life events individuals with autism consider traumatic, and how people with autism express symptoms of trauma.
- April 11, 2018
  Eye tracking is the closest we can get to seeing the world from the point of view of children with autism and understanding how they feel in response to what they see
- April 11, 2018
  Dr. Sosnowy and her team asked young adults on the spectrum, as well as their parents, about their experiences transitioning out of high school, current activities, hopes and expectations for the future. Here's what they learned.
- April 10, 2018
  The Autistic Global Initiative’s documentary Trauma Warriors and a newly produced sequel spark discussion and awareness of the issue of trauma and autism.
- Apr 06, 2018
  Drexel’s new student organization for neurodiverse and neurotypical students plans to be out and cheering when the Eagles Autism Challenge comes rolling through campus.
- Jan 30, 2018
  Biking in the Eagles Autism Challenge is just the latest step in a lifetime of helping the neurodiverse for the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute’s Jackie Abrams.
- January 18, 2018
  
  91��Ƭ�� President's Report 2017 highlights the spirit of research and innovation that runs through Drexel projects and initiatives. This year's report mentions exciting projects at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.
- Oct 05, 2017
  Taking a multivitamin during pregnancy was linked to a 30 percent decrease in risk of a child developing autism with an intellectual disorder, according to a new 91��Ƭ�� study.
- Sep 28, 2017
  The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute will host its very-first benefit concert at World Café Live to raise money for its vital research into every phase of life for people on the spectrum.
- Sep 15, 2017
  For the first time, the Philadelphia Eagles will hold a bike ride and 5k run/walk to raise money for autism research efforts, and the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute was named as one of the benefitting partners.
- Sep 07, 2017
  A researcher from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute received a $11 million Autism Centers of Excellence grant from the NIH to look into how early detection and treatment efforts lead to better outcomes for children on the spectrum.
- Jun 16, 2017
  91��Ƭ�� and its community partners recognized the accomplishments of the eight Philadelphia School District students who represented the first class of Project SEARCH, a new program aimed at getting youth with autism into the workplace and prepared for life after high school.
- May 24, 2017
  In its latest annual report, the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute examined a survey of adults who use developmental disability services and found that a significant number with autism are not engaged in work or day activities outside the home.
- April 06, 2017
  “Sesame Street” is a show that has spent decades teaching children that although everyone is different, everyone is also normal. The latest character to show that is Julia, a Muppet 4-year-old with autism.
- Feb 09, 2017
  Though Drexel has participated in the annual community book club for years, this marks the first year of interdisciplinary collaboration and panel discussions.
- January 30, 2017
- Dec 08, 2016
  In children on the spectrum, anxiety is often masked by the symptoms of autism. But a new variant to a standard anxiety screening method has now proven effective in separating the two and leading to important diagnoses.
- Dec 05, 2016
  The University's leader looked forward while keeping an eye on the past at a lecture on the first 125 years of Drexel history and its next 25.
- September 25, 2016
  The Philly Voice covers newly funded autism research led by Dr. Craig Newschaffer that will use baby teeth to track environmental risk factors that may contribute to the risk of autism in the womb.
- Sep 21, 2016
  A group of autism researchers led by Drexel’s Craig Newschaffer will use new technology to study the baby teeth of children who have siblings with autism — considered high-risk already — to determine if they’re more likely to develop the disorder if exposed to chemicals in the womb.
- Aug 23, 2016
  A group of man-made chemicals used in some pesticides and insulating materials banned in the 1970s continues to linger in the United States, and new research by a 91��Ƭ�� professor and colleagues found that high levels of exposure to some of them during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with autism by roughly 80 percent.
- Aug 05, 2016
  This chief development officer recently published a book about an obscure yet epic piece of history about WWI and the Russian Revolution — with an assist from some Drexel Dragons.
- May 03, 2016
  In the second edition of the annual A.J. Drexel Autism Institute’s annual National Autism Indicators Report series, researchers looked at Vocational Rehabilitation, a federally-funded employment program, administered by each state, for people with disabilities. They found that adults with autism are increasingly applying for services, but most are getting jobs that pay well below the poverty line.
- Apr 20, 2016
  The National Autism Indicators Report was selected by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee as one of the most influential pieces of research of 2015.
- Feb 22, 2016
  Given that earlier diagnoses have been found to be more beneficial for treating children on the autism spectrum, a Drexel professor and her colleagues believe universal screening in 18–24 month-old children remains essential, despite a federal task force deciding there is insufficient evidence to recommend it.
- Feb 17, 2016
  Through a generous, anonymous gift, the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute of 91��Ƭ�� will support innovative programs designed to help young adults transition out of high school into a career or college.
- Jan 26, 2016
  Taking B2AR agonist asthma drugs during pregnancy appears to be associated with an increased risk that the child will develop autism, according to a recently published study at 91��Ƭ��.
- Jan 20, 2016
  After decades of work advocating and supporting those with disabilities, the ASERT Collaborative and the Philadelphia Autism Project, both housed at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, are honoring lifelong Philadelphian Dennis O’Brien for his work to improve the lives of individuals with autism across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
- Dec 07, 2015
  Drexel made a lot of news this year. Check out the best stories about Drexel that came out in 2015.
- May 27, 2015
  Drexel students have helped produce new films aiming to help families overcome potential barriers to seeking diagnosis and services for their children on the autism spectrum—particularly in populations that are underserved when it comes to autism awareness, diagnosis and services.
- Apr 21, 2015
  Autism doesn't end at adulthood — yet most public awareness, public policy and research on autism focus on children. A new national report from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute answers questions about the experiences and outcomes of young adults on the spectrum.
- Nov 13, 2014
  Lead by a Drexel researcher, the study showed that the estimated number of individuals with autism receiving services almost tripled since the last look into the disorder five years ago.
- Sep 10, 2014
  The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute has received a grant of $3.6 million to launch four major initiatives of its Life Course Outcomes research program, focused on understanding and improving quality of life issues for people on the autism spectrum at all ages.
- Jun 26, 2014
  Autism Awareness Month each April brings blue lights and blue ribbons out to shine in many communities – but does it actually lead to increased autism awareness? According to a new analysis of web search trends by researchers at 91��Ƭ��, it does appear to drive an increase in Google searches for autism – by a third over searches in March in recent years.
- Jun 26, 2014
  In the first pilot study asking adults on the autism spectrum about their experiences with driving, researchers at 91��Ƭ�� found significant differences in self-reported driving behaviors and perceptions of driving ability in comparison to non-autistic adults.
- Apr 22, 2014
  A recent study from researchers from the 91��Ƭ�� School of Public Health in Philadelphia and Karolinska Institute in Sweden provides more insight into how the higher risk of having a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among older parents varies between mothers’ and fathers’ ages, and found that the risk of having a child with both ASD and intellectual disability is larger for older parents.
- Apr 21, 2014
  The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� can’t contain its efforts within the walls of a building — so it is now hitting the road with a custom-outfitted van, called Mobile REACH, to extend autism outreach and clinical research activities into the community.
- Feb 20, 2014
  As part of an initiative aimed at making a visit to the science museum as stress-free, fun and educational as possible for children on the autism spectrum, families and teachers now can access “museum stories” on the Academy’s website. The museum stories are a pre-visit tool to prepare children for what they might experience in the museum, where loud noises, unfamiliar sights, bright and dark rooms, and unpredictable live animals may cause discomfort and stress.
- Sep 04, 2013
  Two newly published studies show precisely how stark the challenge is for young adults on the autism spectrum to find their first jobs and take the first steps toward independent living. The researchers emphasize the need to strengthen services to help adolescents and young adults and their families with transition planning.
- May 31, 2013
  The Pennsylvania Autism Services, Education, Resources & Training Collaborative (ASERT), headquartered at Drexel for Pennsylvania's eastern region, has announced the launch of a statewide resource center to provide streamlined access to information for the estimated 30,000 Pennsylvanians living with autism.
- Apr 17, 2013
  Dr. James Connell, who joined Drexel last year as the clinical director of the A.J Drexel Autism Institute, shared with DrexelNow some of the latest developments at the institute since its launch last year.
- Apr 16, 2013
  As part of city’s vibrant scientific and technological community, 91��Ƭ�� will play a big role in the 2013 Philadelphia Science Festival and Philly Tech Week on April 18-28. From a 29-story video game, to cutting-edge robotics, to an interactive Jazz concert, Drexel’s students, faculty and professional staff will be part of the programming for both week-long celebrations of the inquisitive and innovative spirits that are part of the fabric of the city.
- Mar 29, 2013
- Jul 19, 2012
  The newly established A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at 91��Ƭ�� is hitting the road with design assistance from students in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. Students are developing designs for the interior and exterior of a vehicle that will be used as a mobile clinic for research and community outreach, the first mobile unit for autism in the Philadelphia region.
- Apr 17, 2012
  The growing number of children and adults on the autism spectrum represent a growing need for quality health care that is sensitive to the issues they face. This is the premise and challenge behind a new text, Nursing of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-based Integrated Care across the Lifespan (Springer, April 2012), edited by Dr. Ellen Giarelli, an associate professor in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, with Dr. Marcia Gardner.
- Mar 29, 2012
- Mar 21, 2012
  Experts at 91��Ƭ�� are available to comment for news stories about autism for Autism Awareness Month in April. Drexel recently established the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, the nation’s first autism center focused on public health science.
- Mar 20, 2012
  91��Ƭ�� has received a gift of $1.5 million from the Charles and Barbara Close Foundation, founded by Drexel alumnus Charles Close (’36), to help establish the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. The Institute is the nation’s first autism center focused on public health science.
- Jan 12, 2012
  A large population-based study in Sweden indicates that there is no link between smoking during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The study, led by Dr. Brian Lee, an assistant professor at 91��Ƭ�� and a team of international collaborators, will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and was published online in December.

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