I am often asked how we can prepare autistic youth to thrive in the workplace. My answer is that helping our youth develop strong communication and self-determination skills that instill confidence and purpose is one of the most important things we can do to support them as they prepare for their futures. The ability to…
By its very nature, Halloween is scary. Everything from the decorations, AMC’s listing of the top 100 horror films, the inflated price of candy, etc. But perhaps the scariest part of Halloween is trying to understand it through the eyes of our kids with autism. So how do we make this spooky night less of…
To develop an effective transition plan for their autistic young adults, parents need to do some “homework” of their own. This process starts before you begin the actual paperwork and planning with your young adult’s school and IEP team. By collaborating with and empowering your young adult to think about their future, you can lay…
I see it every year. Every April, scores of well-meaning booksellers, librarians, and other professionals compile lists of books about autism. They create “Autism Awareness” book displays and social media posts, and encourage everyone to read their recommendations to learn more about autism. Which is great! But many of those lists don’t include any autistic…
In late August, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) introduced a new version of its Think Autism mobile app. Formerly called Think Asperger’s, the app was developed for parents, educators, and medical professionals to use with children ages 8 to 13. Its main feature is the Social Challenges Screening Questionnaire, which parents and professionals…
OAR and the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) have partnered to create a Community Grant Competition, which supports the design, packaging, and distribution of informational resources that aim to enhance the physical and mental health and quality of life of autistic individuals. This competition recognizes the expertise of community members and aims…
How better to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month than by sharing the story of Carl Peterson, a Hire Autism job seeker? His story is representative of so many who have come to Hire Autism to use the resources they find there and the expertise of Hire Autism’s volunteer navigators. After receiving his second master’s…
OAR is developing a new digital resource to provide information and resources for late-diagnosed autistic adults. We are seeking volunteers to review the online toolkit, which is comprised of a variety of fact sheets, tip sheets, and worksheets for adults both pre- and post-diagnosis. Most autistic people receive their diagnoses early in their lives, enabling…
For the fourth consecutive year, Jewelers for Children has pledged an additional $50,000 to support OAR’s Kit for Kids program. This brings Jewelers for Children’s total contribution to OAR to $170,000. The Jewelers for Children Board of Directors announced the 2021 contribution during the organization’s annual board meeting in Las Vegas on August 29, 2021.…
