Meet James Adams of Zoowalk for Autism Research in Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Adams.

James, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The Zoowalk for Autism Research was started to raise funds for research on autism at ASU. I started the Zoowalk in 2005 because I have a daughter with autism, and I was frustrated by the lack of research on it. I started the ASU Autism/Asperger’s research program in 2000, and since they we have conducted many research studies about the causes of autism, how to treat it, how to diagnose it, how to prevent it, and how to best help people with autism. Each year thousands of autism families and their friends and supporters attend the Zoowalk, which is held at the Phoenix Zoo in October. We are now scheduling our 16th annual Zoowalk in October 2020.

I am also the president of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, which is the largest autism support group for families in Arizona. www.phxautism.org

I am also the founder and president of the non-profit Autism Nutrition Research Center, www.autismNRC.org, which provides families with recommendations on nutritional support, and which produces ANRC Essentials Plus, a vitamin/mineral supplement based on our research at ASU.

Has it been a smooth road?
The first year was a challenge because 2/3 of people did not pre-register, so we had a much larger crowd than expected. Since then, our Zoowalk has continued with the help of about 150 volunteers each year. It has now been running very smoothly for the last ten years. Two years ago, we had a huge rainstorm just after the walk ended, so most people did not linger at the zoo, but in all other years, people spend many more hours at the Phoenix Zoo after the walk.

Please tell us about Zoowalk for Autism Research.
We have supported many exciting research projects, focused on practical research for families. Some of our research highlights include:
1) Development of a vitamin/mineral supplement for children and adults with autism.
2) Development of a novel “superprobiotic” treatment for the chronic gastrointestinal problems that are common in autism.
3) Development of a comprehensive nutritional support protocol (the ANRC protocol), which was found in result in a 7 point gain in IQ and an 18 month gain in child development.
4) Development of a blood-based diagnostic test for autism.
5) Research and recommendations on barriers to employment for adults with autism, and advice on the best way to find and keep a job.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The Phoenix Zoo was been wonderful to work with for the past 15 years, and we look forward to continuing to work with them. Similarly, the City of Phoenix, the Phoenix Police, and the Phoenix Municipal Stadium have also been great in helping us plan and conduct our annual Zoowalk.

Pricing:

• Adults – $25
• Teens – $15
• Children under 12 – free
• Individuals with autism -free

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zoowalk.org
• Email: info@zoowalk.org

Image Credit:
Zoowalk volunteer Robert with EWG

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