SOLON, Ohio, May 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Energy Focus, Inc. (NASDAQ:EFOI), a leader in LED lighting technologies, today announced its national partnership with Autism Speaks. The organization is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for people with autism and their families.

Energy Focus is engaged in a major research project on the effects of lights on special-needs students at The Indiana University of Pennsylvania and supports the school’s related work with the National Science Foundation. Energy Focus has also been collaborating with Ball State University in Indiana on a research project exploring the positive impacts of flicker-free LED lights on children with autism as compared to fluorescent and other LED lights with flicker. Members of Autism Speaks’ science team will participate in a consulting role.

Quality of indoor light may have a direct impact on children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, according to a 2015 report by the nonprofit Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Its standards committee compiled research on the impact that lighting can have on health. Some studies have shown that frequencies in the 100Hz to 120Hz range – which is above the visible threshold and typically produced by flickering fluorescent and LED lights – can cause headache and eyestrain. Research also has shown that performance on tasks decreases with long exposure to frequencies in this range. Some people with autism spectrum disorder are hypersensitive to visual stimuli and are especially susceptible to issues with flicker in lighting.  

“Energy Focus been actively and philanthropically supporting the autism community by sponsoring awareness campaigns as well as helping those with autism spectrum disorder enter the workforce,” said Energy Focus CEO and Chairman Ted Tewksbury. “The national partnership with Autism Speaks supports our commitment to understanding and furthering the science of lighting, and improving the quality of life and well-being, especially for those more susceptible to the health hazards of flicker.” 

Additionally, Energy Focus is an annual sponsor of the Autism Speaks Walk fundraising events. 

ABOUT AUTISM 
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. An estimated 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.  

ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS 
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. We empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span. To find resources, join a fundraising walk or make a donation, go to www.autismspeaks.org.

ABOUT ENERGY FOCUS 
Energy Focus is an industry-leading innovator of energy-efficient LED lighting technology. As the creator of the first, and so far only, UL-verified low-flicker (<1%) LED products on the U.S. market, Energy Focus products provide extensive energy and maintenance savings, sustainability benefits, and improve health and safety over conventional lighting. Our customers include U.S. and foreign navies, U.S. federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, as well as Fortune 500 companies. Energy Focus is headquartered in Solon, Ohio. To learn more about Energy Focus, please call 1-800-327-7877 or visit www.energyfocus.com. 

Contact 
Janna Mino 
Marketing Manager, Energy Focus 
(216) 272-2711 
jmino@energyfocus.com