Perhaps the most common myth about autistic children is that they do not have the ability, motivation, or desire to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with others, including friendships with peers. This, for the most part, is not true. There is no doubt that autistic children have social deficits and communication or language delays that…
Join OAR and a series of expert presenters to learn evidence-based strategies to help nurture a positive school culture and teach practical skills that lead to greater independence. Together, let’s help autistic students unlock a greater sense of happiness, independence, and sense of belonging. If you are a teacher, parent, or autistic individual, do not…
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 second of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Despite the growing body of autism…
“Mom, I’m autistic.” It was 1992. My eight-year-old first-born child, assigned female at birth, was holding a magazine article about an autistic girl. As a special education teacher, I knew a little about autism, but only a little. What was I supposed to say? I might have asked, “Why do you think you’re autistic?” and…
Comprehensive sexual education is key to acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills for developing healthy relationships, good sexual health, and safety. However, it is often a daunting topic that contains nuanced questions on sensitive issues. Paired with hidden social cues and the complexities of modern-day dating, young autistic people can often find themselves struggling. OAR’s online…
Hire Autism welcomed two new groups of navigators in January and February. Eight volunteers, from various personal and professional backgrounds, made up the two groups. They are: Arielle Belanger Ashley Perez Brian Posner Jai Jain Jessica Olson Steven Egee Sylvia Musselman Thomas Templer These newest navigators are eager to get started helping autistic job seekers…
In January, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the winners of the Schneider Family Book Awards, as well as the titles selected as honor books. The Awards recognize an author or illustrator for the artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. In two of the three categories, the award-winning books feature…
Approximately 1 in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and autism affects families of every race and socioeconomic group. Parenting an autistic child is challenging, but it’s important to remember that their siblings need help as well. Siblings are just learning to operate in the world themselves and may not have the maturity or…
The transition from school to adulthood is a pivotal time in the lives of all students. For an autistic student, change of any kind can be challenging, and a transition as momentous as this can seem especially daunting. As a parent of an autistic young adult, you have already accomplished a lot, from coping with…
Arlington, VA, February 9, 2024 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is publishing the Spanish translation of Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Military Families. The guide aims to support Spanish-speaking military families of autistic children. It is currently available online as a downloadable PDF, and will soon be released in paperback. When…
