OAR is once again hosting a three-part webinar series in celebration of autism acceptance month. Join us this spring as we learn about community-based participatory research (CBPR). What is it, and why is it so important? What are some ways we can meaningfully engage autistic stakeholders as we design, implement, and disseminate our own work?…
College. The word conjures up so many images and experiences. For students in their freshmen year, those experiences are likely to include adjusting to independence, exciting opportunities to grow, and keeping up with a rigorous academic schedule. These resources help students with autism know what to expect and how to adapt to college life and…
It’s tricky to be a parent advocate in the autism community, especially if, like me, you are not autistic yourself. Autism is about autistic people, and that’s who should be leading autism advocacy efforts. But in the nearly two decades since my son was diagnosed, I’ve learned that I do have a role as an…
According to a 2013 study, approximately 17% of autistic adults ages 21 to 25 live independently compared to 34% of their non-autistic peers. Yet, only 5% of autism-related research focuses on transition and adult outcomes, despite the fact that autistic adults have less favorable outcomes with respect to quality of life, employment, and education than…
All children with special needs who succeed in school have at least one thing in common: parents who are passionate and effective advocates. As parents, we have the ability to advocate for our children by asking questions and speaking up for them. At times, this can be uncomfortable or even difficult to do; however, no…
Autism is a matter of perception, and what’s beautiful about that perception is its ability to change. Childhood My parents told me I was on cloud nine when they brought their second bundle of joy home – my baby brother. I have no recollection of this memory, nor the memory of him being diagnosed with…
In order to be an active participant in the transition planning process, your autistic teen needs to develop self-determination skills – the skills that enable individuals to speak up for what they want, what they’re interested in, and how they would like to accomplish it. Self-determination skills also allow individuals to have a strong understanding…
One summer vacation on Cape Cod, Mass., I made a mistake – although no one got hurt. My autistic son Ian and I were dressed in our swimsuits when we arrived at Race Point Beach to watch the sunset, a favorite vacation ritual. But nothing prepared us for the waters off Race Point that evening.…
The Lancet Commission on the future of care and clinical research in autism proposed and described a new model of care and treatment for autism in a report released at the beginning of December, calling for global coordination among governments, health care providers, educational programs, financial institutions, and social sectors to reform research, care, and…
For students in special education, “transition” refers to the time when a young adult leaves the K-12 education system and embarks upon adult life. Transition is a period marked by great potential – and significant uncertainty. It is crucial for autistic, young adults and their families to approach the transition process empowered by thoughtful planning.…
