Press Release

Arlington, VA, September 27, 2024 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has released a new collection of books about autism for kids and teens on the OverDrive Libby app thanks to generous funds provided by Jewelers for Children (JFC).

The collection of ebooks and audiobooks includes more than 120 titles that help children, from early readers to teenagers, learn more about autism. The works include a range of fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels, as well as autobiographies and more. Through this resource, it is OAR’s goal to help autistic children process their autism identity, and help non-autistic children, including siblings, understand and embrace autistic differences through evocative story-telling and vivid illustrations.

Any child, parent, teacher, or direct service provider can access the digital library at no cost by registering a library account on OAR’s website.

“Part of our mission has always been to increase information access to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status,” says Kimberly Ha, senior director of research and programs. “We are thankful to Jewelers for Children for their support, and proud to deliver these resources to the community.”

In 2024, JFC donated $100,000 to support OAR’s programs, including the peer education program and OverDrive Libby library. “Jewelers for Children is thrilled to increase our support for the Organization for Autism Research so that they can continue to make sure that kids on the spectrum are getting what they need to thrive,” says Sara Murphy, JFC’s Executive Director. Jewelers for Children is a nonprofit founded by the US jewelry industry dedicated to helping children in need. Since 2018, JFC has donated $395,000 to OAR to benefit autistic children.

OAR partners with school districts, autism organizations, and direct service providers to increase community-wide impact. For anyone interested in exploring a partnership with OAR, please contact us.

About OAR: The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a national non-profit organization formed and led by relatives of children and adults with autism. OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions. Learn more at their website: www.researchautism.org.