News

2022
- The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Awarded $10 Million for Advancing Equitable Strategies and Reducing Barriers for Autistic Individuals of All Ages
  
  Sep 09, 2022
  
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- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Awarded $2.5 Million Grant for Research to Support Healthy and Equitable Life Outcomes for Autistic Youth and Young Adults
  
  Sep 08, 2022
  
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2021
- Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Persist for Individuals with Autism
  
  December 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.
  
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- Strong Professional Development Networks Benefit Autistic Students
  
  December 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.
  
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- How Do Autistic Individuals Interact with the Criminal Justice System?
  
  November 11, 2021
  
  Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University 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.
  
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- How Do Team Dynamics Shape Success for Children with Autism in Public Schools?
  
  September 27, 2021
  
  Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University 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.
  
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- National Autism Indicators Report: High Rates of Mental Health Conditions and Persistent Disparities in Care
  
  August 31, 2021
  
  Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University 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.
  
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- Report: Autistic Individuals Have Increased Risk of COVID-19
  
  August 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 Drexel University.
  
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- Report: How Are States Using Medicaid for the Needs of Autistic Individuals?
  
  August 12, 2021
  
  Researchers from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University 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.
  
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- Drexel Autism Support Program: A Unique Offering for Unique Learners
  
  August 10, 2021
  
  The University’s holistic approach helps neurodivergent Dragons adjust and prepare for college and employment.
  
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- States’ Developmental Disability Services Lacking for Autistic Adults and Their Families
  
  May 25, 2021
  
  In the latest National Autism Indicators Report, researchers from Drexel University’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.
  
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- Autism Online: A Review of How Autistic People Communicate Virtually
  
  March 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.
  
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2020
- National Autism Indicators Report: The Complex Health and Health Care of Individuals with Autism
  
  December 01, 2020
  
  In the recently published sixth report in the National Autism Indicators Report series, researchers from Drexel University’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.
  
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- Drexel Study: Medicaid and Adults on the Autism Spectrum
  
  October 15, 2020
  
  Using administrative data from the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX), researchers from Drexel University’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.
  
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- Drexel Researchers Receive Funding for Racial Equity Projects
  
  August 31, 2020
  
  Just over $100,000 was awarded to 22 faculty and professional staff through Drexel's Rapid Response Research & Development Fund.
  
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- Drexel Study: Measuring Social Networks of Young Adults with Autism
  
  August 17, 2020
  
  A new study from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University has laid the groundwork to show how interpersonal relationships, and the resources they provide, could impact autistic youth's adult outcomes.
  
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- National Autism Indicators Report: The Connection Between Autism and Financial Hardship
  
  June 09, 2020
  
  A new report from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University 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.
  
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- Where Do We Want Drexel To Be in 10 Years?
  
  January 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.
  
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2019
- Diana L. Robins, PhD, Named Director of A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
  
  November 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.
  
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- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Awarded Grant to Improve Interactions Between Individuals with Autism and Criminal Justice System
  
  November 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.
  
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- Heard Around Campus — May
  
  May 29, 2019
  
  This month's installment of the “Heard Around Campus” feature contains information about University awards and recently completed construction projects.
  
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- Heard Around Campus — April
  
  April 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.
  
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- For Youth with Autism, Where You Live Matters: Study of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Across States
  
  April 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.
  
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- Three A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Research Projects Funded by Eagles Autism Challenge
  
  April 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.
  
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- Tips and Advice for Taking on the Eagles Autism Challenge
  
  March 20, 2019
  
  In gearing up for the second year of the Eagles Autism Challenge and Drexel University’s involvement, participants from last year’s events shared their tips for fundraising and training for the event.
  
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- Report: Low-Income and Minority Youth with Autism Face Worse Outcomes than Peers
  
  March 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.
  
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2018
- Study: As Many As 1 in 40 U.S. Children Has Autism
  
  December 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 Drexel University, 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.
  
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- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Gears Up for Second Eagles Autism Challenge — With Free Registration for Faculty and Staff
  
  November 13, 2018
  
  With the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute partnering with the Eagles for the second Autism Challenge, Drexel University faculty and staff once again have the opportunity to participate in the race and get involved.
  
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- Diana L. Robins, PhD, Named Interim Director of A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
  
  October 22, 2018
  
  Diana L. Robins, PhD, professor and research program leader at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University, will take over as interim director, effective Jan. 1.
  
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- Music With a Mission: Second Annual Roots, Rock & Research Benefit Concert to Support A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
  
  October 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.
  
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- Briefly Noted: Campus News From Spring 2018
  
  July 12, 2018
  
  Check out what news and updates faculty and staff should be aware of from last term.
  
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- Eagles Autism Challenge Raised $2.5 Million to Benefit Autism Research at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
  
  June 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.
  
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- Project SEARCH Helps High Schoolers on the Spectrum Prep for the Future
  
  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.
  
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- President Fry’s Contract Extended to Lead Drexel Into the Next Decade
  
  May 23, 2018
  
  At a recent meeting, the Board of Trustees extended President John Fry’s contract through 2023.
  
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- In Photos: A Wet But Inspiring Eagles Autism Challenge
  
  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.
  
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- Neurodragons Will Cheer on Eagles Autism Challenge Riders — And You Can Join Them
  
  April 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.
  
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2017
- Multivitamin Use During Pregnancy Linked to Lower Risk of Autism With Intellectual Disability
  
  October 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 Drexel University study.
  
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- Roots, Rock & Research: A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Hosts First Benefit Concert
  
  September 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.
  
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- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Partnering With Eagles for Inaugural Autism Challenge
  
  September 15, 2017
  
  The Philadelphia Eagles have launched a first-of-its-kind cycling and 5K run/walk to raise funds for innovative autism research and support, and the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute was named as one of the benefitting partners.
  
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- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Researcher Awarded $11 Million Grant to Investigate Early Intervention Efforts
  
  September 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.
  
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- Autism Institute Celebrates First Class of Project SEARCH Graduates
  
  June 16, 2017
  
  Drexel University 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.
  
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- 27 Percent of Adults with Autism Who Use State Disability Services Have No Work or Other Activities: National Autism Indicators Report 2017
  
  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.
  
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- Drexel Unites to Promote One Book, One Philadelphia
  
  February 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.
  
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2016
- Anxiety Measure for Children with Autism Found Reliable
  
  December 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.
  
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- Drexel's History Is Alive in the Present, President John A. Fry Says at Lecture
  
  December 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.
  
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- Autism Researchers Looking at Baby Teeth to Identify Risk Factors
  
  September 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.
  
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- Chemicals Banned Decades Ago Linked to Increased Autism Risk Today
  
  August 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 Drexel University 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.
  
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- Employee Spotlight: Kevin J. McNamara
  
  August 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.
  
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- Drexel’s National Autism Indicators Report: More Than Half Leave Vocational Rehabilitation with Jobs, But Most Earn Wages Below Poverty Line
  
  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.
  
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- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute’s Report Cited as ‘Influential’ By Federal Autism Committee
  
  April 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.
  
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- Toddler Screening Essential for Autism Detection Despite National Task Force’s Reservation
  
  February 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.
  
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- $3.5 Million Gift Supporting Autism Institute’s Programs for Transition to Adulthood
  
  February 17, 2016
  
  Through a generous, anonymous gift, the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute of Drexel University will support innovative programs designed to help young adults transition out of high school into a career or college.
  
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- Study: Anti-Asthma Drugs Taken During Pregnancy Associated With Autism Risk
  
  January 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 Drexel University.
  
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2015
- Top Drexel Stories of 2015
  
  December 07, 2015
  
  Drexel made a lot of news this year. Check out the best stories about Drexel that came out in 2015.
  
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- African-American Families Share Autism Experiences in New Video Series
  
  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.
  
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- Drexel Releases National Indicators Report on Autism & Adolescent Transitions
  
  April 21, 2015
  
  Autism does not end when children reach adulthood—yet most public awareness, public policy and research about autism focus on the needs of children. A new national report from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute answers critical questions about the experiences and outcomes of young people on the autism spectrum with transition planning, living arrangements, social participation, employment, postsecondary education, health and mental health, safety and other domains.
  
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2014
- Pennsylvania Autism Census Highlights Dramatic Increase in Numbers
  
  November 13, 2014
  
  Pennsylvania’s Autism Services, Education, Resources & Training Collaborative (ASERT), has released the Pennsylvania Autism Census Update for 2014, which estimates that there are over 55,000 children and adults with autism receiving services, almost triple the number initially identified in 2009.
  
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- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Receives $3.6 Million Gift to Launch Life Course Outcomes Research Initiatives
  
  September 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.
  
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- Awareness Month Spurs Web Searches for Autism
  
  June 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 Drexel University, it does appear to drive an increase in Google searches for autism – by a third over searches in March in recent years.
  
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- First Study Asks Autistic Adults about Driving Experiences
  
  June 26, 2014
  
  In the first pilot study asking adults on the autism spectrum about their experiences with driving, researchers at Drexel University found significant differences in self-reported driving behaviors and perceptions of driving ability in comparison to non-autistic adults. As the population of adults with autism continues growing rapidly, the survey provides a first step toward identifying whether this population has unmet needs for educational supports to empower safe driving – a key element of independent functioning in many people’s lives.
  
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- Child's Autism Risk Accelerates with Mother's Age Over 30
  
  April 22, 2014
  
  A recent study from researchers from the Drexel University 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.
  
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- Autism Institute Uses Custom-Outfitted Van for Outreach and Clinical Assessments
  
  April 21, 2014
  
  The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University 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.
  
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- Museum Stories at the Academy of Natural Sciences for Children on the Autism Spectrum
  
  February 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.
  
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2013
- Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum Face Tough Prospects for Jobs and Independent Living
  
  September 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.
  
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- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Contributes to Pennsylvania's Website and Toll-Free Number for Autism Resources
  
  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.
  
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- Q&A with James Connell: Checking in With the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
  
  April 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.
  
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- Drexel at Philadelphia Science Festival and Philly Tech Week
  
  April 16, 2013
  
  As part of city’s vibrant scientific and technological community, Drexel University 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.
  
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- Autism Experts at Drexel Available to Comment for Autism Awareness Month
  
  March 29, 2013
  
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2012
- Autism Outreach on Wheels: Students Design Mobile Clinics for A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
  
  July 19, 2012
  
  The newly established A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University 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.
  
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- Nursing for Autism Across the Lifespan Highlighted in New Book
  
  April 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.
  
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- Autism Experts Available to Comment on New CDC Autism Prevalence Report
  
  March 29, 2012
  
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- Autism Experts at Drexel Available for Autism Awareness Month News Stories
  
  March 21, 2012
  
  Experts at Drexel University 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.
  
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- Autism Experts at Drexel Available for Autism Awareness Month News Stories
  
  March 21, 2012
  
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- AJ Drexel Autism Institute Receives $1.5 Million from the Charles and Barbara Close Foundation for Public Health Science
  
  March 20, 2012
  
  Drexel University 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.
  
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- No Link Found Between Prenatal Exposure to Tobacco Smoke and Autism
  
  January 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 Drexel University 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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