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OARacle Newsletter

Join the RUN FOR AUTISM team at the 2024 MCM

With five months until race day, RUN FOR AUTISM team members are already getting excited about the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon. “I have loved ones with autism and want to support OAR’s great work. I chose the Marine Corp Marathon specifically because it’ll be special to have my first marathon be where I’m from, the…

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Tips for Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing for Autistic Adults

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting tips to help you promote personal wellbeing and relieve stress. You can find more information about this topic and learn how to seek mental health services in the Mental Health Guide for Autistic College Students.  What can I do to promote my wellbeing? Eat 3 nutritious…

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What Parents Need to Know: Sensory Overload and Safety for Autistic Kids

Sensory processing challenges are not uncommon for autistic kids. Common triggers can include anything from scratchy clothing to loud noises or bright lights. These triggers can create a sensory overload that makes your child feel overwhelmed or upset. They might avoid trying new things and consistently seek out quiet places to be alone.  As a…

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Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Autistic Children May Begin Early

Alarming statistics from a study done by researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute indicate that suicidal thoughts and behaviors may begin in autistic children at a very early age. Responses from over 900 caregivers of autistic children ages 8 to 17 were analyzed in a nationally distributed survey. According to the study published in JAMA Pediatrics…

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Interested in Employment? Read These Hire Autism Articles

Hire Autism posts featured articles on various employment topics to provide much-needed answers to common job search-related questions. Read the newest articles: Understanding Keywords and Applicant Tracking Systems describes what applicant tracking systems are and why they are important to job seekers, provides formatting tips for job search documents, and discusses the importance of incorporating…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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