Autism Awareness Month is a perfect time to foster peer acceptance and inclusion in schools. Widespread misunderstanding of autism is a common issue in schools across the country, which can in turn lead to a host of larger discriminatory issues like social isolation and even bullying. Last April, OAR released the interactive learning program, Autism…
After being diagnosed with autism in her 30s, University of Tokyo student Satsuki Ayaya uses her personal experiences to help generate new theories that autism is a perceptual, rather than mainly social, disorder and its symptoms as resulting from differences in the way the brain processes information. In autism, the brain is said to emphasize discrepancies…
This is the second part to Kat Albee’s blog post Finding Resources. In the conclusion of her blog series, Kat includes additional guidance for how those in the autism community can continue to advocate for themselves. Using The Internet If you are reading this, then you have an advantage unique in all of human history. No, it’s…
According to Brenda Wiederhold, Editor-in-Chief of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, “some studies report up to 50 percent adults [with autism] have co-occurring social anxiety disorder.” A new study suggests that moderate use of Facebook is associated with increased happiness and self-confidence in these adults, providing a “safe space” for improving communication.
Self-advocate Kat Albee highlights ways in which those on the spectrum can be resourceful and hold onto a positive outlook in a variety of real-world situations. This is Part One of her post. Part Two will be featured in next week’s blog. Changing Your Mindset I recently read a memoir called Growing Up Yanomamo. It’s about…
OAR is accepting applications for the 2018 OAR Scholarship Program through Monday, May 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants can apply to either the Schwallie Family Scholarship or the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship. Each offers one-time $3,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (DSM-IV or 5 criteria) pursuing full-time post-secondary, undergraduate education in the…
Since its introduction in April 2012, the “Kit for Kids” peer education program has reached more than 90,000 students. The goal of the “Kit for Kids,” which includes the story, “What’s up with Nick?”, is to promote autism awareness and acceptance of classmates with autism among children (grades K-8) in a non-threatening and age-appropriate manner.…
The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) necessitates that all school districts in the country make available transition services for individuals with disabilities once they reach age 16. Yet, according to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, research that addresses lifespan issues, including transitions to adulthood, physical and mental health conditions, and community integration, consistently remained the…
Adjusting to the unstructured freedom that comes with attending college can be difficult for anyone, but for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the college experience can be especially challenging. In addition to learning to lead independent lives juggling social and academic demands, students with ASD have limited services and accommodations to support their…
The transition from school-age years to adulthood is a stressful period for families of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Under the best of circumstances, the shift from school to life after graduation can be difficult. These challenges are amplified when individuals with ASD present with significant support needs (e.g., behavioral problems). Most experts agree…
