INSAR President's Message.
INSAR swapped its 2020 conference for free online webinars—watch them today for quick CEUs on autism sensory and stigma work.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The 2020 INSAR president wrote a short letter to the autism research community. It said the group would meet online instead of in person. No data were collected.
What they found
The letter found no new facts. It only shared that INSAR would keep working through webinars and online special-interest groups.
How this fits with other research
Sibeoni et al. (2022) pulled together dozens of qualitative studies about autistic sensory life. Their work shows research must look at the whole person—body, feelings, relationships, and culture. The 2020 letter fits here because it kept the research conversation alive so work like Jordan’s could happen.
Shogren (2024) later urged scholars to share power with people who have IDD. The 2020 letter began that shift by making events free to join online, lowering barriers for autistic stakeholders.
Walker (2012) described how agencies moved from group homes to individual supports. The 2020 pivot to virtual meetings is the same kind of culture change—adapting format to keep the mission going.
Why it matters
You can still watch the 2020 INSAR webinars on their site. Use them for CEUs or share the sensory clips with families. The move to virtual also shows that big societies can change fast—so ask your own group to stream talks and add autistic voices to planning panels.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
INSAR 2020 VirtualFirst, I'd like to empathize with all society members as we each struggle, each in our own ways, to adapt to the varied and changing demands of supporting public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.I especially want to recognize parents who are working many extra hours each week to see to the well-being of their children and families, while juggling the responsibilities of their science and careers.We look to 2021 with hope of a changing situation globally in many aspects.The INSAR Board and staff appreciates the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteer committee members.The breadth of virtual programming that INSAR has been able to present to the global community is due to their efforts.Programs held throughout June, July, and August include our regularly scheduled INSAR Institute Webinar series and the new INSAR 2020 Virtual sessions (Meet the Experts, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), Cultural Diversity Webinar, and Autism Researchers Workshops.
Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research, 2020 · doi:10.1002/aur.2389