OAR recently celebrated its 23rd anniversary. At 23, most of us were likely still figuring out who we were and what we wanted to do with our lives. However, OAR’s 23 years represent an incredible body of work: over two decades of funding research and providing free, high-quality resources to the autism community. As many…
In October 2024, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for five applied autism research grants and one autism resource grant. These new grants, totaling $288,930, bring OAR’s total research funding to $5.3 million since 2002. This article is the first of the previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Safe and compassionate anesthesia care for…
“Gotta get up, gotta get going…” This beginning of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh theme song often plays in my head. My response is usually “Ugh, I’m tired and not ready.” It can be hard as an autistic parent to not start the day feeling daunted, but my bright-eyed autistic child is definitely…
“I am the proud mom of a son who is on the Spectrum.” Erinn Hannigan, along with 56 RUN FOR AUTISM athletes, will compete at the 2025 Walt Disney World ® Marathon weekend this January, representing OAR. Her son, Tommy, was diagnosed with autism at age 12. “Without the research that was available, we would…
Conversations continue to grow about college readiness for autistic students. It is a conversation I am eager to have because higher education choices have never been more widely available. One thing we often do not discuss is that what challenges come with college readiness apply to all learners. College students are underprepared for the college…
As we approach the end of another impactful year and OAR’s 23rd anniversary, we want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together and share some exciting plans for next year. Your support continues to drive OAR’s mission to tackle the real challenges autistic individuals face every day. Whether you’re a donor,…
The United States is facing a supply-demand problem, as noted by Education Next in a 2024 article. In May 2024, the Report on the Condition of Education found that a record number of students with disabilities were enrolled in an educational institution. The number of U.S. students ages 3 to 21 served under the Individuals…
OAR’s Hire Autism Program is ending the year on a high note, onboarding a new navigator cohort. Please join us in welcoming our latest volunteers, who will help autistic job seekers build their job search materials, skills, and confidence. The eight new navigators are Tricia O’Brien, Thomas Goodrich, Cody Keenan, Cali Clarke, Marcus Leef, Meret…
OAR’s new Operation Autism Grant Program supports military families with autistic children by providing grants to establish or enhance family support groups. OAR will award three to six grants on a rolling basis through February 21, 2025. At least 50% of the group’s participants must have autism-specific needs, and sessions must be free for military…
