A client once told me she avoids telling doctors she’s autistic. “What’s the point?” she said. “Once I mention it, I turn into either a fascination or a fraud.” Her words stayed with me. Many autistic adults describe the same pattern: when they share their diagnosis, the energy in the room shifts. Some providers become overly curious, turning the…
In October 2025, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight applied autism research grants. These new research grants, totaling $397,372, bring OAR’s total research funding to $5.8 million since 2002. This article is the third of the previews in The OARacle this year. The autism community uses quality of life as a measure of autistic adults’ satisfaction with their lives. Yet…
Interest in nutrition and fitness for people with autism has never been higher. Families, educators, and support professionals overwhelmingly agree that healthy eating, movement, and aging well matter for one’s quality of life. Yet when it comes time to join a program, attend a class, or change routines at home, participation often drops. This gap…
Let’s see if you can figure out this math question: Consistency + Intensity = what? This has been something I have just discovered about myself as I have been on my fitness journey. I have been a runner for about two years now and it has to be the best thing I’ve ever done for…
“I was in the mainstream health class in high school, learning about health with students without disabilities. When the sexuality unit started, they removed me from class.” When a person with a disability shared that experience with me, it stopped me in my tracks. The message being sent was unmistakable: learning about physical activity and…
April Autism Acceptance Month is just around the corner. You can play a big part in helping us reach our goals for promoting autism awareness and acceptance across the country! Goal 1: Provide informational resources to the autism community. OAR is proud to offer a wide range of free informational resources for the autism community. On our website, you’ll find…
Since 2024, OAR has published over 15 stand-alone articles on the Hire Autism website, offering autistic job seekers and employees a quick way to access practical employment tips and advice. From jumpstarting the job search to building professional relationships, these articles help readers make informed decisions throughout their journey from job search to the workplace. If you…
Join OAR to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with our annual Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash this April! This fitness and fundraising event promotes autism awareness and acceptance in our communities, with proceeds supporting new autism research and free, evidence-based resources. “Our 8th annual Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash is shaping up to be our largest…
Mattel introduced a new Barbie, who is autistic and reflects some common features of autism, in January. In development for more than 18 months in partnership with ASAN, this doll joins the Barbie Fashionistas collection, which features a diverse range of skin tones, hair textures, body types, and various medical conditions and disabilities. In its announcement welcoming the new doll, ASAN…
Relationships can be confusing—even when you want them, value them, and try hard to do them “right.” You might leave an interaction wondering whether something went well, whether you said too much or too little, or whether discomfort is just part of connection. These questions are common, and they are not a sign that you…
