When I was pregnant with my daughter, I thought I knew what I was in for. I had two autistic boys already, and I’m autistic too, so it seemed like it would be same old, same old. I expected speech delay, missed milestones, but an inevitable “everything will come around right” in the end. Turns out, I…
A congressionally mandated study by the National Academy of Sciences recommended that the Defense Health Agency (DHA) cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) for military families as a basic benefit through their TRICARE coverage. As reported by Behavioral Health Business, ABA has been a covered benefit through a demonstration program that began in 2014. But the National Academy report, released…
As OAR’s executive director, I have the honor of witnessing our community’s commitment to autistic individuals and their families each year. I see it in the students who receive scholarships, in the families who use our guidebooks, and in the researchers who take bold ideas forward. I also see it in advocates, educators, employers, and community members who stand alongside…
Autism is a complex, neurodevelopmental disability that affects many U.S. children and requires access to services and interventions to allow autistic children to thrive. Latinx, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native families with autistic children face unique challenges related to disparities in access to services. Those disparities, along with lack of health care access and poor clinical encounters, often…
Early intervention is critical for children with autism, yet many families face obstacles that delay diagnosis and access to support. Autism looks different in every child, no matter their age, background, or ethnicity. That can make early signs hard to spot, which can create barriers for families. Parents are often the first to notice differences in how…
Her words are always with me. “You can’t talk to me! You don’t know what it’s like to have to fight for your child’s life every single day! I’m always fighting. I’m exhausted.” I was conducting an autism workshop for community leaders in Brooklyn, New York, when Tamika* walked straight up to me at the front of the room. Her words, spoken through tears of…
Janel Miles’s motivation for taking on the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon this fall with the RUN FOR AUTISM team was crystal clear. “I’m running to raise awareness and funds for everyone like my son, Maxton, who deserves to live in a world filled with acceptance, inclusion, and kindness.” Maxton, now a middle schooler,…
On September 25, OAR hosted OAR Impact Day: From Research to Reality to bring together autistic individuals, families, researchers, and direct service providers and celebrate the meaningful impact research has on the autism community. The virtual event showcased the many ways OAR’s funded research has translated into practical tools, interventions, and programs. The archived event materials are available to access for free on…
When most people think about autism, they think of it as something that only affects children. Yet autism is a lifelong condition, and most autistic people are adults. Based on census data for the United States and the United Kingdom (and most other western countries), 20% of the autistic population are under 18 and 80%…
Toni is incredibly proud of her 6-year-old nephew, David. “Anyone that meets David instantly falls in love with his creative, gentle, and uplifting personality,” she said. Toni is part of the RUN FOR AUTISM team at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, running for David, who was diagnosed with autism when he was 18…
