This post originally appeared in Hi Blog! I’m Dad. It is reposted here with permission from its author James Guttman. Some days, I have to literally drag him from the school bus. Whether by the hand or coaxing through a dangling iPad, the fact that I have to entice my boy to come to me after a…
As a new college student, it’s normal to feel both excited and nervous for life on campus. After all, you’re surrounded by new people, and you likely don’t know most of them. This is a great opportunity to start fresh, try new things, and make friends. Making connections can make your new college campus feel…
When Ryan Neale went to UCLA, his dream school, he struggled in the first months of his freshman year, hiding his autism and trying to blend in, as he wrote in an essay for Business Insider. In those first months of his freshman year, he “exchanged sleep and self-care for going out and partying —…
Throughout April and May, OAR teamed up with experts and researchers to deliver a four-part webinar series on the themes of sexuality and relationships. The series featured researchers who conducted studies related to dating, relationships, and sexuality, giving and receiving consent, friendship development, and communication and conflict management. Each webinar provided both extensive information and practical…
OAR recently welcomed nine new volunteers for the Hire Autism Navigator program. Congratulations to the new navigators who successfully completed their navigator training and will now be ready to work one-on-one with autistic job seekers! Our newest navigators are: Tina Arnoldi Brandan Balasingham Bryan Hurwitz Bridget Kunz Kathleen Mahoney Sylvia Musselman Maulik Sarin Jeff Smith …
OAR’s Scientific Council oversees the annual research competitions and produces the highest quality reviews for prospective research study results. They also assist the board of directors in developing its research strategy, objectives, and priorities. Informally known as SCOAR, the Council recently welcomed three new members. Noor Syed, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA/LBS, is an assistant professor, program coordinator,…
Join OAR this fall for four live webinar events on autism in the workplace that will offer practical strategies, tools, and support plans for autistic adults, employers, parents, and professionals. The series will focus on topics such as disclosure, accommodations, inclusion, self-advocacy, and the transition from higher education to the workplace. Additionally, for the first time,…
OAR strives to support autistic young adults in their transition to college and adulthood, a process that can be overwhelming as they leave the support of the K-12 special education system. This fall, as part of that targeted support for autistic young adults, OAR has a goal to distribute 15,000 copies of our informational resources…
Everyone deserves a fulfilling college experience, including autistic students. Going to college can be an exciting opportunity to discover new interests, live independently, and develop self-advocacy skills. OAR created Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum to help autistic students become better prepared for college life and academics. This guidebook offers…
OAR interviewed Samantha Harker, a 2020 Schwallie Family Scholarship recipient and member of OAR’s Scholars’ Society, to ask her how she made the transition from high school to college and what advice she has for autistic students pursuing postsecondary education. The Scholars’ Society offers long-term engagement and support for students who have received awards through…
