Autism Research: Recent Episodes
Joan Banks-Smith
Improving Quality of Life for Neurodiverse Individuals
People on the autism spectrum may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from neurotypical people. These differences can result in difficulties with social functioning, including interactions with family, employers, educators, and community members. Scientists at Kessler Foundation are developing accessible and evidence-based research that provides new interventions for children, adolescents, and adults on the spectrum, with a particular focus on the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Fast Takes – Episode 44
Read the transcript.
Dr. Genova details some of the Center’s work including identifying strengths and improving job interview skills of transition-aged youth, investigating the science behind brain networks, and directly engaging the autism community to ensure the research is meaningful and accessible.
Learn more about:
Dr. Helen Genova, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova
Center for Autism Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research
Join a study - https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/studies/autism
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Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.
This podcast was recorded remotely on May 18, 2022, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.
Jessica Ganga, Communications & Digital Media Coordinator at the Foundation, moderates a panel of research coordinators for mobility, spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the Foundation's recruitment manager. They share how volunteers help Kessler Foundation further its clinical research on advancing treatments, which impact the lives of individuals with disabilities worldwide. Volunteers are the heart of our research!
Learn more about the panel:
Rachel Byrne, Senior Research Coordinator (SCI)
Kate Goworek, Research Coordinator (Mobility)
Jenny Masmela, Senior Research Coordinator (Stroke)
Sam Schmidt, Research Recruitment Manager
Angela Smith, Senior Research Coordinator (TBI)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Foundation's Research -
Volunteers are the heart of our research! Interested in joining a study? For more information on in-person and tele-studies, check out our studies webpage
Definitions/Keywords
What is spatial neglect?
Patients who have had a stroke or traumatic brain injury may have a neurological syndrome called spatial neglect, which affects their ability to pay attention to their surroundings and body parts on the less affected side (the left side for patients with right brain injury). Spatial neglect is disabling. Patients may 'forget' to shave, groom, or dress the left side of their bodies. They also have major problems with driving, reading, and balance. Read more about our spatial neglect caregiver webpage and professional pages
What is KF-NAP®?
Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF-NAP®) is an assessment tool that may help clinicians detect the presence of spatial neglect and measure the severity of the syndrome.
What is KF-PAT®? Kessler Foundation Prism Adaptation Treatment (KF-PAT®) is implemented in occupational therapy for post-stroke spatial neglect. Including prism adaptation treatment in standard of care for patients with post-stroke spatial neglect improved functional and cognitive outcomes.
What is MRI contrast
There are two major types of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans: with contrast and non-contrast. The main distinction is that for contrast MRIs, a dye (gadolinium-based) is given to the patient intravenously before the scan. Contrast is often order by a physician who wants to highlight a particular part of the body.
What is HIPPA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. For more information, go to https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html
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Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.
Fast Takes - Episode 21
Read the transcript
In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Helen Genova, Associate Director, Center for Autism Research. We spoke about her latest autism research and how the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on children with autism.
Learn more about Dr. Genova
Read the accompanying blog "Lessons from the Autism Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic"
Read about the study mentioned in this podcast
Interested in signing-up for studies at Kessler Foundation.
Tuned into our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, Kestler Foundation, for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021, remotely, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, creative producer for Kessler Foundation.
COVID-19 Edition - Episode 1
In this episode, we discuss how the corona pandemic has affected children with autism. Specifically we discuss:
• The effects that Covid-19 pandemic has on children with autism (1:38)
• How the Newmark School (Scotch Plains, NJ) - has created an online learning program to meet the needs of children with ASD (4:22) and how educators can utilize the techniques used by the Newmark School (13:14)
• Practical tips for parents of children with autism including:
• Creating a visual schedule for their child (14:33)
• Maintaining physical and sensory activities during pandemic (15:52)
• Practicing mindfulness to reduce anxiety (18:05; 33:00)
• Maintaining mental health during the pandemic (21:05)
• Disconnecting from technology and social media (24:56)
• Latest research performed by Dr. Genova on using mindfulness in children with autism (28:33)
Read the podcast transcript
Listen in as Drs Genova and Peter discuss practical tips to help survive the pandemic as a parent of a child with autism.
To learn more about our experts click on their bio links below:
Dr. Helen Genova
Dr. Regina Peter
Podcast Resource links….
Autism Resources
A guide to managing social isolation in individuals with autism, written by members of the autism community:
Visual Social Stories to Help Individuals with Autism understand the Pandemic:
https://www.autism-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/My-Schedule-will-Change-Social-Narrative.pdf
https://howard-autism.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/my-coronavirus-story.pdf
For Educators
Online training offered by Newmark Education to support educators who work with children with autism:
Mental Health
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NJ Mental Health emotional support during COVID-19
(https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/) 866-202-HELP (4357)
7 days a week, 8am to 8pm (EST)
Helpful Apps:
Making a Visual Schedule for your child with autism
Choiceworks: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/choiceworks/id486210964
Mindful Meditation
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Daily Calm | 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation | Be Present -
Jon Kabat Zinn Body Scan Meditation GUIDED MEDITATION -
3/30 Livestream Meditations with Jon Kabat-Zinn
Calming Apps
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Calm your Dog
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. In new episodes, our experts weigh in on the impact of COVID-19 on people living with disabilities. And they talk about how research that changes lives continues at Kessler Foundation. Check back soon to listen to more COVID-19 podcasts on our playlist.
Listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
This podcast was recorded on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.
Fast Takes - Episode 7
View the transcript.
Dr. Helen Genova, is known for her research in disorders of social functioning in populations with brain injury and multiple sclerosis, with broad-based funding from federal, state, and private sources. Through Kessler Foundation’s partnership with Children’s Specialized Hospital, she applied this background to adolescents with autism, whose difficulties with social functioning can affect their interactions with family members, educators, and peers.
This award is funded by NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Learn more about Dr. Helen Genova and podcast host Joan Banks-Smith
Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.
This podcast was recorded on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.