Skip to main content

OARacle Newsletter

Apply for a Peer Education Grant

OAR has helped educate more than 194,000 children through the Peer Education program since 2012. With the second cycle of grants, which opened on April 15, OAR continues its commitment to fund peer education and the promotion of autism awareness and acceptance in grades K-8 using the Kit for Kids program materials. Starting this year,…

Read More

Celebrate Autism All Year with OAR

While Autism Acceptance Month has come and gone, we know many of you wish to remain active, do more for the cause, or start something new. Here are some ways to do just that. Volunteer Your Time Are you a parent, educator, or autistic individual who: Wants to share your unique advice or story with…

Read More

Health Resources for Autistic Individuals and Families

Autistic individuals deserve access to health information that’s tailored for their needs. Do you want advice on how to advocate for yourself at your next doctor’s visit? Are you wondering how to discuss important topics like puberty, dating, sexuality, and sexual assault with an autistic teen or adult in your life? These OAR-created and funded resources…

Read More

Autism Gave Us A New Story

I am the mom of four amazing kids (Connor, 25; Riley, 17; Grace, 12; and Kane, 8). I work as a life coach, teaching advocacy skills to parents to assist them in advocating the best they can in and outside of the school system. I am also working on my master’s degree in counseling. I…

Read More

Suicide Risk Screening and Care for Autistic Youth

In November, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight applied autism research studies in 2024. These new grants, totaling $297,569, bring OAR’s total research funding to more than $5 million since 2002. This article is the fourth of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. To address rising youth suicide rates…

Read More

Helping Your Child Accept Their Autism Diagnosis

After finding out that your child is autistic, you may have a sense of relief and empowerment because you knew they were different and now you know why and how to help. But what if your child has trouble accepting their own diagnosis? How can you help them move forward? First, accept and listen. Ensure…

Read More

Fostering Acceptance and Embracing Autism: The ASD Band Story

We are ASD Band and all of the band members are autistic. Our band consists of four members, Rawan Tuffaha (lead singer), Jackson D. Begley (guitarist/singer), Ron Adea (pianist), and Spenser Murray (drummer). The band came together on Autism Awareness Day in 2019 when Jake’s House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families living with autism,…

Read More

Press Release: OAR Awards Spring 2024 Peer Education Grants

Arlington, VA, April 5, 2024  – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is excited to announce the recipients of its spring 2024 Peer Education Grant competition. This cycle, OAR is awarding ten grants totaling $28,258.50 to teach nearly 5,000 students about autism. Since 2012, OAR has helped educate more than 194,000 students and peers about…

Read More

Announcing 2024 Youth Art Contest Winners

Thank you to all the talented artists who participated in OAR’s 2024 Youth Art Contest. With entries from 125 artists across 24 states and five countries, the response was truly inspiring. Every submission beautifully captured the theme of “growth” in unique and heartfelt ways. What an amazing turnout for our fourth annual contest! Grand Prize…

Read More

IACC Releases 2019-2020 Research Funding Report

In March, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) released its 2019-2020 IACC Autism Research Portfolio Analysis Report. The report analyzes research funding activities across the United States to track autism research funding of federal agencies and private research organizations across the United States.  The report provides comprehensive information about U.S. autism research funding to help…

Read More