Life Journey through Autism Series

A Parent’s Guide to Research

Having a child diagnosed within the autism spectrum presents a series of immediate challenges for parents. Trying to understand a complex, spectrum disorder like autism, which encompasses classic autism, Asperger Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), is difficult enough in a purely academic setting. When parents are confronted with the shock of an autism diagnosis for their child, combined with the responsibility to try to make the right treatment choices as soon as possible, critical decisions become extremely difficult. And even well-intentioned but not fully informed people sometimes pursue unverified and possibly dangerous treatment alternatives based on unreliable information from web sites, hearsay, and the media.

OAR addresses this situation through the creation of a basic primer on autism research for use as a reference by parents. A Parent’s Guide to Research includes a glossary of terms, an overview of scientific research, how to determine if a particular study may or may not be pertinent to a particular child, and questions to ask with respect to treatments, therapies, and other methodologies under consideration. The Guide is currently available as a publication as well as a downloadable document on this web site. OAR provides the Guide at no cost to parents and families affected by autism, that is, those who have a child diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Guide, please fill in our request form. To download the guide, click the cover below.

Download A Parent's Guide to Research (1.8 MB)
To download right click on the above link and choose "Save Target As" to save the guide to your PC. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Guide.

An Educator’s Guide to Autism

An Educator’s Guide to Autism, the second book in the Life Journey through Autism series of resource guides published by the Organization for Autism Research provides parents, teachers and education professionals with a plan for teaching a child with autism in the general elementary classroom setting.

The heart of An Educator’s Guide to Autism is a six-step approach for a teacher preparing to teach a child with autism in his or her classroom. The steps include the following: (1) educate yourself (2) reach out to parents (3) prepare the classroom (4) educate peers and set social goals (5) collaborate on the implementation of an educational program and (6) manage behavioral challenges. The discussion of each step includes practical tips on what a teacher should look for and how to navigate the challenges that may arise. Following these steps offers the teacher the potential to create the most favorable educational environment for all learners in the classroom, including the student with autism.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Guide, please fill in our request form. To download the guide, click the cover below.

Download An Educator’s Guide to Autism
To download right click on the above link and choose "Save Target As" to save the guide to your PC. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Guide.

An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome

An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome is the third book in the Life Journey Through Autism resource guide series.  Asperger Syndrome is a complex disorder that presents numerous challenges within the inclusive classroom setting.   This book provides guidelines for meeting the needs of the student with Asperger Syndrome in your class, from elementary to high school.  Specifically, the Guidebook contains information on

• Understanding the common characteristics of Asperger Syndrome and how they affect each child on a case by case basis
• Promoting positive social goals and educating peers to avoid bullying
• Cooperating with the parents and student’s IEP team
• Implementing strategies to better facilitate learning in the student with Asperger Syndrome.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Guide, please fill in our request form. To download the guide, click the cover below.

Download An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome

To download right click on the above link and choose "Save Target As" to save the guide to your PC. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Guide.

A Guide for Transition to Adulthood

Adulthood is more than just a chronological state. Adulthood represents a time in one's life where there are increased levels of independence, choice, responsibility, and personal control. Adulthood is the defining period of one's life and, while we may look back fondly on our childhood, it is our accomplishments as adults for which we are generally most proud. Why, then, should adulthood for the person with an autism spectrum disorder be viewed any differently? In this, the fourth volume in the OAR Life Journey Through Autism series, we provide an overview of the Transition-to-Adulthood process, with an emphasis on:  

• The importance of early planning beginning no later than age 16 years and, at times, as early as age 14 years (or younger).
• The importance of collaboration between the transitioning individual, their family and friends, interested community members, the schools' professional staff, and representatives from adult service systerms in the transition to adulthood process.
• The importance of community-based instruction in the development of skills associated with a more independent adulthood.
• The fact that individualized, effective transition planning is effortful and time consuming but, when done well, a fulfilling life as an adult is possible.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Guide, please fill in our request form. To download the guide, click the cover below.

Download A Guide for Transition to Adulthood

To download right click on the above link and choose "Save Target As" to save the guide to your PC. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Guide.

*NEW* A Parent's Guide to Assessment

The formal assessment process can be a daunting experience for parents of children newly diagnosed with autism. By using highly technical language and focusing on “deficit performance,” assessments can often overwhelm and dishearten parents. In addition, outcomes are rarely explained in terms that parents can use to set goals for their children. This new Parent’s Guide to Assessment will serve to provide the tools to better understand the assessment process and, subsequently, utilize assessment outcomes to improve services and interventions for their children.

Among the topics covered in the Assessment guide will be:

• The strengths and weaknesses of the assessment process
• The technical language contained in the reports
• Who is qualified to complete an assessment
• What specific assessment tools measure
• How to interpret the results in a way that informs proactive, individual decision making

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Guide, please fill in our request form. To download the guide, click the cover below.

Download A Parent's Guide to Assessment

To download right click on the above link and choose "Save Target As" to save the guide to your PC. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Guide.

The Best of the OARacle

Selected Articles from 2002-2007

This publication includes the best of The OARacle’s research articles, all collected in one volume and categorized for easy reference.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Guide, please fill in our request form. To download the guide, click the cover below.

Download The Best of the OARacle

To download right click on the above link and choose "Save Target As" to save the guide to your PC. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Guide.