During the novel coronavirus pandemic, many autistics experienced ambivalence regarding lockdowns, telecommuting, and online education. As an autistic and parent of two elementary students, I noticed my daughters and I were more relaxed and productive without constant social contact. Yet, anxiety and fear accompanied the pandemic, along with mourning. Trauma from COVID-19 has changed us.…
Choosing the right ABA therapist for your child is a big decision for any parent. You need to feel comfortable that their style and personality will work well with your child’s specific needs and feel confident that they possess the right experience and expertise. However, knowing what to look for and how to assess therapists…
April has a lot to offer when it comes to autism awareness and acceptance. In case you missed some of these special PBS shows, never fear! They are still available for you and your family to watch via streaming. So pop a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Max “Daniel Tiger’s…
Last month, OAR hosted a Health Webinar Series that examined critical health care issues faced by young autistic adults. If you missed these live events, don’t panic. All of OAR’s webinar events are available online. Stay tuned to The OARacle over the next few issues as we dive deeper into mental health challenges that disproportionately…
Obesity in children is a major public health concern; in fact, 18.5 percent of children in the United States are considered obese. For autistic children, evidence suggests the percentage is even higher. Factors such as unusual dietary preferences, noncompliant behavior, decreased exercise, social isolation, and frequent use of psychotropic medication associated with weight gain may…
As we prepare to close the books on what likely has been the most unusual school year in decades, it’s safe to say things will probably continue to look different next year. Some students will return to the classroom full time with social distancing measures in place, while others will begin the year with remote…
At some point, it’s going to happen. A “normal-seeming” co-worker, friend, or relative will approach you in confidence and share that they are autistic. Since most of us have only been exposed to autism through freakish savant stereotypes via popular media, this co-worker, friend, or relative may look nothing like what you expect. Because of…
New York Jets running back La’Mical Perine announced his role as OAR’s new celebrity ambassador on the NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” show on February 26. “My little brother has [autism], something we’ve been dealing with since he was a baby…I wanted to…be able to make sure people know that it’s a serious thing,” he…
In November, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for six new applied autism research studies in 2021. These new grants, totaling $240,000, bring OAR’s total research funding to more than $4.4 million since 2002. This study is supported by a gift from the Lisa Higgins Hussman Foundation. This is the fourth of six previews to…
