The year 2008 marked a profound shift in my journey. My two-year-old son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and I was determined to ensure he had every resource to flourish. However, I quickly discovered a stark lack of support for families like mine, particularly in the Black community. This realization spurred me into action,…
As the founder of Autism in Black®, my passion for our mission runs deep. It’s more than just words; it’s a guiding light for our community. Our goal is as clear as day: to empower, educate, and advocate for the Black autism community. Join me as I take you on a journey through our goals,…
As a 2006 study pointed out, every single ethnic group includes people with disabilities, making them the world’s largest multicultural minority. In the United States, people with disabilities represent 27% of the population. During the 2021-2022 academic year, 7.3 million learners between the ages of 3 and 21 received special education services under provisions of…
Winter is here – and for autistic people with sensory sensitivities, that may mean increased challenges related to touch, smell, light and sound. Many cherished winter traditions seem tailor-made to aggravate sensory sensitivities: bundling up to go outside, putting up light displays and ringing bells, to name just a few. Below are tips and information…
One of the first phrases to come to mind when talking about special education is the Individualized Education Program, whose abbreviation, IEP, instantly becomes one of those acronyms you will remember for life. Mention IEPs to parents and teachers alike, and their reaction tells the story. The term conjures up unpleasant memories and is frequently…
PBS Kids is bringing its first autistic lead character to tv screens this coming fall in a series named for the that character, “Carl the Collector.” In the PBS Kids press release, Carl is described as “a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who loves collecting things. His talents – a laser-focus pursuit of his goals, attention to…
Starting a new year is the perfect time to move forward with new beginnings and challenges. Whether your resolutions consist of eating more fruits and vegetables, running your first marathon, or surpassing your fundraising goal, RUN FOR AUTISM is here to support you in every way. Looking for a spring race? Or maybe a race with warmer…
OCALI honored Mike Maloney, OAR’s former executive director, with the Jon Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award at OCALICON, its premiere autism and disabilities conference, on November 17, 2023. Mike Maloney served as OAR’s executive director from OAR’s founding in 2001 to December 2022. During his 21-year tenure, OAR funded over 308 research grants totaling more than…
With the holidays upon us, many of us are traveling – to get away for a vacation or to visit family members. For autistic people, as well as the parents of autistic children, travel has often been too stressful and overwhelming to consider. Recent news articles have highlighted progress in the travel industry, with airlines,…
2023 was a record-breaking year for the RUN FOR AUTISM program. Thanks to the fundraising efforts and hard-earned miles of 942 runners, walkers, and triathletes, the RUN FOR AUTISM team raised more than $1,060,000, a new OAR fundraising record marking the first time the program has raised over one million dollars. That achievement is even…
