“For many families whose child receives a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, hearing the news can be overwhelming. It’s rewarding for me to be able to help them figure out what the next steps are and connect them to the right services. When they leave feeling like they are on the right track and…
In October 2012, the OAR Scientific Council approved 12 new studies for a total of $355,000 in funding through its annual applied research competition. These efforts, which are now underway, are poised to advance our understanding of autism and how to effectively support those affected by the disorder. This month, we are previewing two more…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the results of a new study in which 2 percent of nationally surveyed parents of children ages 6-17 reported that their child had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (prevalence rate of 1 in 50, and 1 in 31 for boys). This is an increase from…
Many teenagers with or without an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) love video games. In fact, previous research has shown that adolescents with ASD are more likely than those with other types of disabilities to spend most of their free time playing video games. One study even found that children with ASD spend significantly more hours…
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 previews…
Linda Reilly is a proud Army wife and part of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team. She has run several races with OAR, including the Philadelphia Marathon. Her husband, Major Shane Reilly, and their two children, Charlotte, 8, and Alexander, 5, have also participated in the RUN FOR AUTISM. Alexander is on the autism spectrum. The…
In October 2012, the OAR Scientific Council approved 12 new studies for a total of $360,000 in funding through its annual applied research competition. These efforts, which are now underway, are poised to advance our understanding of autism and how to effectively support those affected by the disorder. Throughout 2013, The OARacle will feature “previews”…
This week, we wanted to share a special opporutnity for military teens with disabilities, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorders. Read below for more information: Join Northeast Passage, an adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation organization, for their second annual Military Teen Winter Adventure Camp. This camp, designed for teens (ages 14-18) with disabilities…
Melissa Archer is a former English teacher, the wife of a police officer, and the mother of five daughters ranging in age from 11 to 35. She recently quit teaching to homeschool her daughter, Jasmynn, 11, who has autism. Our daughter, Jasmynn, 11, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 1/2. She has…
On July 26, 2012, Federal District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the landmark case of Berge et al. v. United States of America, a class-action lawsuit initially filed by a retired Air Force couple. Judge Walton called it both “arbitrary and capricious” that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), widely…
