Build College Readiness and Independence
When families think about college preparation, it’s easy to focus on grades, test scores, and applications. But for autistic students, success in college has just as much to do with what happens outside the classroom—things like managing a schedule, asking for help, or figuring out what to eat for dinner. Many autistic students arrive academically…
Inclusive Summer Ideas for Your Autistic Child
Summer gives you a chance to slow down and discover new rhythms with your autistic child. The longer days might feel a little unstructured, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. With some flexibility and thoughtful planning, you can create a season that works for your family. This guide offers simple ways to…
Press Release: OAR Awards 10 Graduate Research Grants in 2025
ARLINGTON, VA, July 9, 2025 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is delighted to announce the recipients of its 2025 Graduate Research Competition. The program offers up to $1,000 to master’s students and $2,000 to doctoral candidates or post-doctoral students to conduct autism-focused research. This year, OAR is awarding 10 grants totaling $19,306. With…
Meet RUN FOR AUTISM Ambassador Beth
When Beth Caruso sought out her first marathon, she looked for a race that was, among other things, approachable. The Marine Corps Marathon fit the bill. “It’s the people’s marathon!” Beth said. “I knew I could finish it too.” Gearing up for the race, Beth looked to add meaning (and friendship) to her miles. She…
Run with OAR in a Most Magical Place
Support autism research and experience the magic of Walt Disney World® while supporting the autism community. The RUN FOR AUTISM is thrilled to be a participating charity with the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by State Farm in Orlando, Fla., January 7-11, 2026. The RUN FOR AUTISM has entries available for the 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, Goofy Challenge…
Cheer on the Nats with Your OAR Friends
Game Day with the Washington Nationals, sponsored by Flywheel Centers ABA Therapy, supports OAR and offers you an opportunity to connect with fellow supporters, friends, and families who share OAR’s mission. Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 20, 2025 for a 1:35 pm game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. This family-friendly event is a…
Building a Life with Aidan
Ten years ago, when Aidan, my profoundly autistic son, was 14, I had all kinds of ideas about what his adulthood might look like. I often swung between hope and fear. On hopeful days, I envisioned that he would live in a cool community with his peers; we’d start a business (I even bought a…
Creating an Autism Assessment Guide for Gender-Diverse Adults
In October 2024, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for six applied autism research grants and one autism resource grant. These new research grants, totaling $338,844, bring OAR’s total research funding to $5.3 million since 2002. This article, describing the resource grant, is the seventh of the previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Autistic people who…
Adapting Learning Experiences for Students with Profound Autism
Imagine arriving at work and being told where to sit, what to do, and how to do it—without being asked what you prefer or how you feel. Your success depends on you doing exactly what you’re told. Every time you try to express yourself, someone redirects you. For many students with profound autism, this is…
