In 2023, OAR and the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) awarded grants of up to $10,000 to organizations and community members to support the design, development, and distribution of information resources that aim to enhance the physical and mental health of autistic individuals. These published resources cover a range of important topics…
Happy Autism Acceptance Month! This year, OAR has set some ambitious and actionable goals for promoting autism awareness and acceptance across the country. Here’s how we can work together to make a difference. Goal 1: Provide informational resources to families of autistic individuals. OAR’s collection of Life Journey Through Autism guidebooks offers high-quality, research-based information…
There’s a particular diner that sits in the heart of Times Square in New York City that is a family favorite of ours. On a recent visit, we squeezed sideways through the cramped aisles of the bustling dining room, sliding into our booth. As we scanned the menus for dinner selections, the waiter breezed up.…
In October 2024, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for five applied autism research grants and one autism resource grant. These new research grants, totaling $288,930, bring OAR’s total research funding to $5.3 million since 2002. This article is the fourth of the previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Profound autism affects the whole family, siblings…
According to the National Council on Severe Autism, nearly 2.7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with nearly 30% meeting the criteria for profound autism. While the entire spectrum deserves recognition and support, “profound autism” is a term intended to provide clarification about autistic people who require 24/7…
Autism doesn’t end after high school graduation, but the American school system often fails to effectively prepare students for adulthood. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires a transition plan by age 16, but this is too late. Transition planning should start earlier, with the student actively participating to encourage self-advocacy. I will share…
As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), I work closely with adults, children, and families with Autism. I decided to run the Big Sur Marathon for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) to raise both awareness and funds for autism research. Through my work, I’ve gained firsthand experience with the communication and socialization challenges faced by individuals…
When raising children, many parents hope their kids will form close sibling bonds, sharing memories and experiences that will stay with them for life. But when one child is neurotypical and the other is autistic, parents may wonder how to foster this connection in ways that respect each child’s unique needs. The sibling dynamic in…
On February 13, President Donald Trump established through executive order the Make America Healthy Again Commission with a charge to investigate and address “the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases,” including autism. He selected Robert Kennedy Jr., who was recently confirmed by Congress as Secretary of…
“I’m not a fast runner. I’m not an elite runner or a marathon maniac. I’m just a dad.” While humble about it, Dillon TenBrink is no stranger to marathons; he’s been running them for the past 15 years. This spring, he’ll run the 2025 TCS London Marathon as part of the RUN FOR AUTISM team.…
