A study published in December in Disability and Health Journal found that people with cognitive disabilities, such as autism as well as other intellectual and developmental disabilities, reported significant difficulties in receiving high-quality health care. Adults with autism showed no differences when compared with adults with other cognitive disabilities. In addition to its findings, this…
As we celebrate the beginning of a new year, OAR is also looking ahead to the ambitious goals it has set for 2024, including goals for Autism Acceptance Month. Join us to promote autism awareness and acceptance in your community and across the country. Goal 1: Support the autism community with information (autistics, families, educators,…
OAR is thrilled to kick off our fourth annual Youth Art Contest. This year’s theme is growth, encouraging young artists to explore and express their perspectives on personal and community growth. How to Participate Participation is open to any autistic child or their siblings, classmates, or friends who are inspired to create. Here’s how to…
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 first of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Autistic people are more likely to…
After working hard to obtain an electrical engineering degree with honors, job seeker Andrea Camacho was surprised to find the job search an even more daunting process than tackling her rigorous education. Following nine months of an on-off job search, Camacho was determined to find employment relevant to her education, which led her to reach…
The year 2008 marked a profound shift in my journey. My two-year-old son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and I was determined to ensure he had every resource to flourish. However, I quickly discovered a stark lack of support for families like mine, particularly in the Black community. This realization spurred me into action,…
As the founder of Autism in Black®, my passion for our mission runs deep. It’s more than just words; it’s a guiding light for our community. Our goal is as clear as day: to empower, educate, and advocate for the Black autism community. Join me as I take you on a journey through our goals,…
As a 2006 study pointed out, every single ethnic group includes people with disabilities, making them the world’s largest multicultural minority. In the United States, people with disabilities represent 27% of the population. During the 2021-2022 academic year, 7.3 million learners between the ages of 3 and 21 received special education services under provisions of…
Winter is here – and for autistic people with sensory sensitivities, that may mean increased challenges related to touch, smell, light and sound. Many cherished winter traditions seem tailor-made to aggravate sensory sensitivities: bundling up to go outside, putting up light displays and ringing bells, to name just a few. Below are tips and information…
One of the first phrases to come to mind when talking about special education is the Individualized Education Program, whose abbreviation, IEP, instantly becomes one of those acronyms you will remember for life. Mention IEPs to parents and teachers alike, and their reaction tells the story. The term conjures up unpleasant memories and is frequently…
