When your child receives an autism diagnosis, the world shifts, quietly, and then all at once. The air in the house feels different. Your thoughts rearrange themselves. And suddenly, you’re not only a parent, but an interpreter of a new language. Sharing that diagnosis with neurotypical siblings and extended family can feel like opening a door that may not feel very safe…
Arlington, VA, January 5, 2026 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is publishing the Korean translation of the Kit for Kids program, which aims to promote autism awareness and acceptance among elementary and middle school students. The following Korean-translated PDFs are available to download now: Kit for Kids Classroom Set What’s Up with Nick? Booklet Classroom Poster Lesson Plan How to Use Sheet Kit for Kids Activity Workbooks Classroom…
Arlington, VA, December 12, 2025 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Applied Research Competition. This program, which began offering grants of up to $50,000 in 2024, provides funding to researchers and professionals who conduct applied autism research. This year, OAR’s Board of Directors approved funding…
This year, nearly 1200 athletes took on a RUN FOR AUTISM event to support autism research. We’re incredibly proud of all of our athletes, and want to recognize a few outstanding individuals and teams with our first-annual RUN FOR AUTISM awards. The Standing Ovation Award: This award is presented annually to the highest fundraising individual with RUN FOR AUTISM, in…
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I thought I knew what I was in for. I had two autistic boys already, and I’m autistic too, so it seemed like it would be same old, same old. I expected speech delay, missed milestones, but an inevitable “everything will come around right” in the end. Turns out, I…
A congressionally mandated study by the National Academy of Sciences recommended that the Defense Health Agency (DHA) cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) for military families as a basic benefit through their TRICARE coverage. As reported by Behavioral Health Business, ABA has been a covered benefit through a demonstration program that began in 2014. But the National Academy report, released…
As 2025 draws to a close, OAR welcomes six talented volunteers joining Hire Autism as navigators. Congratulations to Ariel Coburn, Bettina Hoffman, Danielle Johnson, Marie Johnson, Lauren Marder, and Jip Woudstra! These volunteers work as special education assistant, senior recruiter, technical recruiter, accounting firm partner, neurodivergence coach/talent management consultant, and behavior support specialist, with a wide…
The 2026 OAR Scholarship Program opens for applications on Friday, December 5, 2025, and remains open until Monday, April 20, 2026. Applicants may apply to only one of OAR’s postsecondary scholarships, which include the Schwallie Family Scholarship, the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship, and the Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color. Each program offers $3,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with autism spectrum…
