Stephen M. Edelson, PhD
Speaker
Dr. Stephen M. Edelson has conducted research in various areas comprising behavior, biomedical, diagnosis, sensory issues, and cognition. He has spent decades spearheading research design by developing effective measures of autistic traits relevant to evaluating level of disability and establishing a network with researchers. He frequently convenes with this network to discuss emerging findings that have the potential to improve the health and well-being of people with autism. Dr. Edelson has published research articles with many notables in the autism field, including Drs. Bernard Rimland, Ivar Lovaas, Temple Grandin, Margaret Bauman, Edward (Ted) Carr, and Manuel Casanova.
Dr. Edelson is a participant on the Panel of Professional Advisors for the Autism Society of America (ASA). He is also a former ASA Board member and a past president of the Autism Society of Oregon. Dr. Edelson was named ASA’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in 2000.
Dr, Edelson served first as Executive Director and later as Chief Science Officer of the Autism Research Institute from 2006 to 2026. Throughout his tenure, Steve was deeply dedicated to ARI’s mission and to carrying forward its important work. He made meaningful contributions to the organization and built many relationships across our community.
Webinars
April 21, 2026
Medications and Treatments for Autistic Adults
Stephen M. Edelson, PhD
Autistic adults may require individualized, multidisciplinary care, and many experience barriers to effective psychiatric treatment. Communication differences and co-occurring psychiatric…
April 21, 2026
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: Diagnosis and Management
Stephen M. Edelson, PhD
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is characterized by chronic irritability and severe temper outbursts and presents diagnostic and management challenges in…
April 21, 2026
The Role of Nutrition and Dietetics in Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction
Stephen M. Edelson, PhD
Nutrition and dietary factors play an important role in disorders of gut-brain interaction and may contribute to symptoms in individuals…
April 21, 2026
Sleep Challenges in Autism: Assessment and Evidence-Based Management
Stephen M. Edelson, PhD
Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder and can significantly affect behavior, learning, and family functioning.…
April 21, 2026
The Evaluation and Care of the Individual with Autism Having Aggressive or Self-Injurious Behavior
Stephen M. Edelson, PhD
Aggressive and self-injurious behavior may occur in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and can present significant clinical, ethical, and safety…
February 15, 2026
Autism: A Century of Discovery and Development
Stephen M. Edelson, PhD
In this webinar, Dr. Stephen M. Edelson, Chief Science Officer for ARI, outlines historic milestones in autism research, understanding, and…