ABOUT IARO

We are here to encourage and raise funds for research, so that one day we will be able to avoid Autism occurring and to be able to treat the condition successfully.

The incentive to create a charity for encouraging research into Autism sprang into our Founder's, Gerda McCarthy, mind following the BBC television programme Horizon, based on the enkephalins and endorphins. These peptides - the enkephalins, a short chain of opiate building blocks of protein/amino acids - the endorphins (internal morphines) - are found in our brain and help the body handle pain.

Although the programme shown in the late 1970's did not mention the Autistic condition, our Founder felt that brain chemistry in Autism may well be an important area to be pursued. She contacted all the professionals who were interviewed in the Horizon programme. All answered kindly but regretting that there was not more Autism research being undertaken at that time. Eventually, our Founder was referred to our medical adviser, Professor Edward M Orntiz, MD, by one of the professionals who took part in the Horizon programme. Professor Ornitz too emphasised the importance of neurophysiological and biochemical research in to Autism. Professor Ornitz assisted us as regards side effects caused by major tranquillisers. He advised us during these early days of possible irreversible neurological impairment that can be caused when these neuroleptics are taken for a long period of time. The impairment is called tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder. These drugs are known under the heading of Thorizine, Stelazine, Mellaril, Haloperidol, Largactil, etc.

We were only a small group of parents at that time which became a registered charity in 1981 under the name of 'Research Group 'fund' for Autists.'

In 1984 Dr. David F. Horrobin MA, DPhil, BM, BCh of Scotia Pharmaceuticals UK/Canada made findings of abnormal essential fatty acids in our members with Autism.

We liased with several professionals and parents at home and overseas and soon realised that we were no long a group but an organisation. By 1986 we were known as ' THE INTERNATIONAL AUTISTIC RESEARCH ORGANISATION' As the organisation continued to grow, it became a company at the end of 1989 under the name of "AUTISM RESEARCH LTD." With 'THE INTERNATIONAL AUTISTIC RESEARCH ORGANISATION' as its flag name.

Through our work findings have been made and we endeavour through our work to achieve further findings.