Sexuality is a part of every person’s life, and education about sexuality and sexual health is essential. However, this area is often overlooked for autistic individuals. The neglect of this topic and these skills can have consequences for the autistic individual’s quality of life, sexual health, and safety. As educators who have worked in clinical…
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 third of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Sexual and reproductive health is a…
Sexuality and relationship education includes a wide range of information: changing bodies, dating, kissing, gender identity, being turned down for a date, healthy relationships, and more. We know that teaching kids about sexuality and relationships is the best way to keep them healthy and safe. Despite this knowledge, we are not given a lot of…
As an educator, I would often encounter students who presented challenging behaviors in the classroom. These behaviors would seem to appear for no apparent reason. I could not determine a function or antecedent and I was confused and frustrated. It hurt me to know that my student needed something that I did not know how…
What does being autistic mean to you? Most of the time I don’t think about it. I’m Ben the entertainer. I’m Ben the Iowa Hawkeye student. I’m Ben the Carroll Tiger Alumni. Son, brother and friend. I don’t think I’m Ben the autistic person. That’s not how I identify myself. But it can cause challenges…
Perhaps the most common myth about autistic children is that they do not have the ability, motivation, or desire to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with others, including friendships with peers. This, for the most part, is not true. There is no doubt that autistic children have social deficits and communication or language delays that…
Join OAR and a series of expert presenters to learn evidence-based strategies to help nurture a positive school culture and teach practical skills that lead to greater independence. Together, let’s help autistic students unlock a greater sense of happiness, independence, and sense of belonging. If you are a teacher, parent, or autistic individual, do not…
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 second of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Despite the growing body of autism…
“Mom, I’m autistic.” It was 1992. My eight-year-old first-born child, assigned female at birth, was holding a magazine article about an autistic girl. As a special education teacher, I knew a little about autism, but only a little. What was I supposed to say? I might have asked, “Why do you think you’re autistic?” and…
Comprehensive sexual education is key to acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills for developing healthy relationships, good sexual health, and safety. However, it is often a daunting topic that contains nuanced questions on sensitive issues. Paired with hidden social cues and the complexities of modern-day dating, young autistic people can often find themselves struggling. OAR’s online…
