There are few virtues more important than independence. Universally, nations and their citizens strive for independence. Teenagers seek independence from their parents. Small children tell their parents, “I do it.” Research tells us that independence is fundamental for success, boosts confidence, reduces over-reliance on others, promotes happiness, increases a sense of accomplishment, and promotes better…
As an individual on the autism spectrum, I have struggled with and achieved many types of independence, such as going to college, living on my own, learning how to cook, and starting my own business. While I did receive varying degrees of assistance with each of these endeavors, sexual independence was something I had to…
In 2015, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight new applied autism research studies in 2016. These new grants, totaling $229,827, bring OAR’s total research funding to over $3.5 million since 2002. This is the seventh of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Collette Sosnowy, Ph.D., an OAR-funded researcher and…
Safety is ever present in our minds in today’s world. Violence and disasters at times surround us and make us feel even more vulnerable than we already do as parents to our special children. It seems like wherever you turn, you read or hear something about chaos in the world. Like most parents, I send…
In October 2012, OAR’s Board of Directors approved 12 new studies for a total of $355,000 in funding through its annual Applied Research Competition. These research efforts, nine of which are now underway, are poised to advance our understanding of autism and how to effectively support those affected by it. This month, we feature a…
In 2015, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight new applied autism research studies in 2016. These new grants, totaling $229,827, bring OAR’s total research funding to over $3.5 million since 2002. This is the sixth of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. When researchers evaluated data from the National…
In 2015, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight new applied autism research studies in 2016. These new grants, totaling $229,827, bring OAR’s total research funding to over $3.5 million since 2002. This is the fifth of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Regulating their emotions is often a challenge…
If you are a military family, we don’t need to tell you that military families that have children with disabilities are considered underserved. In fact, says Vicki Farnsworth, assistant director at The Branch, that’s why her organization was established in January 2015. The Branch Military Parent Technical Assistance Center builds the capacity of federal parent…
One of my all-time favorite military leaders is General Colin Powell whose lessons in leadership, selfless service, and diplomacy have helped me navigate our family journey and my own personal journey of work, advocacy, and leadership at our local, state, regional, and national level. Gen. Powell’s principles have resonated deeply with me as I work…
PCS is a common abbreviation this time of year for military families. It stands for permanent change of station, and summer is when most military moves take place. As a result of PCS, military children will move an average of six to nine times until they finish high school. This is three times the national…
