The Blue Envelope Program, an initiative designed to improve communication between autistic drivers and law enforcement officers, has been adopted statewide or locally in 30 states, as of February 2026. The program, which began in Connecticut in 2020, aims to reduce anxiety for autistic drivers while promoting understanding in police officers, instructing law enforcement about common behaviors…
In October 2025, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight applied autism research grants. These new research grants, totaling $397,372, bring OAR’s total research funding to $5.8 million since 2002. This article is the seventh of the previews in The OARacle this year. Research on early autism interventions focuses primarily on promoting social-communication skills, which are critical given their strong association with long-term developmental outcomes. However,…
I have collected Pokémon cards since I was about five years old. It felt like the most natural thing in the world until high school, when suddenly it didn’t. When I noticed other students had different interests, I tucked that part of myself away, convinced that my interests were something to be ashamed of rather than celebrated. …
“Do autistic children really want friendships?” As parents and practitioners, we may have asked ourselves this question. If a child prefers solitary activities, struggles with conversation, or interacts differently than peers, we may wonder whether relationships are important to them. The answer emerging from decades of psychological and developmental research is both simple and profound: human beings…
Most parents spend years teaching their children how to stay safe. Look both ways before crossing the street. Don’t talk to strangers. Call home if plans change. But many autism families eventually realize there’s another conversation we need to have. One that most parents never imagine having at all. What happens if your autistic child or loved one interacts with police? …
Arlington, VA, June 26, 2026 – Twelve graduate students recently received grants from OAR to support their research studies. OAR recently announced the recipients of its 2026 Graduate Research Competition. The program offers up to $1,000 to master’s students and $2,000 to doctoral candidates or post-doctoral students to conduct autism-focused research. This year, OAR is awarding 12 grants totaling…
When we talk about supporting autistic individuals, we often rely on models and strategies developed in cultural contexts very different from our Arab reality. While these tools may be scientifically sound and effective, their true success emerges only when they are understood and applied in the child’s language, within the family’s culture, and in harmony…
In mid-May, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it will provide an additional $144 million to states and districts to use for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs. According to an article on the K-12 Dive website, about $123.6 million will go toward IDEA Part B grants for students ages 3 through 21 and $20.5 million to Part C early…
Each year, OAR lays out ambitious goals for engaging community members in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month. Throughout the beginning of this year, OAR staff worked with parents, educators, autism professionals, autistic individuals, and employers to support their local initiatives and promote autism acceptance. Thanks to the dedication of community partners like you, OAR helped foster…
