Study: As Many As 1 in 40 U.S. Children Has Autism

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.

A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Gears Up for Second Eagles Autism Challenge — With Free Registration for Faculty and Staff

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.

Diana L. Robins, PhD, Named Interim Director of A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

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.

Project SEARCH Helps High Schoolers on the Spectrum Prep for the Future

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.

President Fry’s Contract Extended to Lead Drexel Into the Next Decade

At a recent meeting, the Board of Trustees extended President John Fry’s contract through 2023.

Multivitamin Use During Pregnancy Linked to Lower Risk of Autism With Intellectual Disability

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.

A.J. Drexel Autism Institute to Benefit from Landmark Eagles Autism Challenge

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.

Autism Institute Celebrates First Class of Project SEARCH Graduates

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.

Drexel Unites to Promote One Book, One Philadelphia

Though Drexel has participated in the annual community book club for years, this marks the first year of interdisciplinary collaboration and panel discussions.

Toddler Screening Essential for Autism Detection Despite National Task Force’s Reservation

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.

$3.5 Million Gift Supporting Autism Institute’s Programs for Transition to Adulthood

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.

Study: Anti-Asthma Drugs Taken During Pregnancy Associated With Autism Risk

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.