Haley Moss, a Florida native who was first diagnosed with autism at the age of three, has passed the Florida bar exam and become a lawyer at age 24. As an Associated Press article notes, when she was diagnosed, her doctors thought she might never be able to work a minimum wage job or live…
In a crowded hall filled with laughing and chatting teenagers devouring pizza, one girl approached me shyly. “You know, I really didn’t want to come to this, but I’ve had so much fun today.” “This” was a self-determination conference, organized by and for students with disabilities in my school system. Starting a club about self-determination…
At the beginning of February, two members of Congress introduced the Autism CARES Act of 2019 (HR 1058). The bill would reauthorize federal research; expand funding for critical research, education, housing, and other programs; and ensure that people with autism who age out of critical assistance programs and enter adulthood are supported, according to an…
OAR is hosting a free webinar on the topic of social skills for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on March 28, 2019, at 2 p.m. ET, featuring Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D. Register now to attend “Social Skills for Adolescents and Adults with ASD: Finding Relevant Targets for Instruction, Using Instructional Strategies…
Two recent incidents at schools in Kentucky have highlighted the importance of educating teachers, administrators, and other school staff about autism spectrum disorder. An elementary school teacher in at Wurtland Elementary School in Greenup County is facing charges of assault after a school surveillance video showed her dragging a nine-year-old student on the autism spectrum…
This piece was originally published on The Journey Through Autism and is re-posted here with permission. To all of the wonderful educators that have taught me: thank you for making my school life better! I have been so lucky to have such wonderful teachers in my life through elementary, middle, and the beginning of high school. Quick…
On Monday, October 15, 2018, OAR hosted its second webinar event on the topic of sexuality. The webinar featured Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., OAR Scientific Council chairman and executive director of the EPIC School (Paramus, N.J.), and Amy Gravino, M.A., president of A.S.C.O.T. Consulting. They provided a wealth of helpful information, including: Existing literature on sexuality…
Transitioning to college is an exciting but stressful time for students and families. It is an adventure in self-advocacy, independent living, and balancing social life with the rigor of academics. The suggestions below offer ways you and your college-bound student can make this new adventure a successful one. When choosing a college, plan a visit…
One might assume that college wouldn’t be on the radar for someone on the autism spectrum. However, I believe that my autism helped me to be successful in college. Without it, I would not have received the social skills therapy that helped me hone my coping skills and enhanced my self-discovery and self-advocacy. By high…
While there are many resources for young adults heading off to college, only a few are available for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In January, OAR published “Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum” to help young adults with ASD navigate the college scene. Students headed to college can also…
