A study published in the journal Autism at the end of March asserts that federal funding for autism research has not followed recommendations made by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). In 2017, the IACC in its advisory role recommended allocating more funding to research studies focusing on treatments/interventions, evidence-based services, and lifespan issues. Based…
Many families expect an increased need for safety planning during the summer, when their autistic kids’ routines are disrupted, and they may encounter unfamiliar environments, people, and situations. Additionally, time off school gives kids an opportunity to learn and practice safety skills in their community. OAR’s Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide to Safety helps…
“Not until we are lost, do we begin to understand ourselves” – Henry David Thoreau When I moved to my first college to major in pre-veterinary studies, I had lots of hopes for the future. Less than one semester later, I was at rock bottom, in the middle of a thyroid- and trauma-induced major depressive…
In November, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for six new applied autism research studies in 2021. These new grants, totaling $240,000, bring OAR’s total research funding to more than $4.4 million since 2002. This article is the fifth of six previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Since 2007, rates of suicide…
“I don’t know where to turn for help.” I have heard this exact sentence from countless autistic individuals and their family members across the country, and it breaks my heart every time. Many autistic children, adolescents, and adults have mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, finding appropriate supports or resources is often…
As a speech-language pathologist, I’m frequently involved in students’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, particularly if they have communication-related needs. My role in these meetings, as I see it, is to provide updates to the IEP team (which typically includes parents, educators, related service providers, the student, etc.) regarding the student’s progress and propose changes…
For autistic kids, everyday safety risks are often magnified. Staying safe requires your child to develop an important set of skills and to apply them to a variety of situations. As you think about how best to ensure the safety of your autistic child, there are some guiding principles that you should keep in mind.…
OAR is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 Graduate Research Grants. The program awards up to $1,000 to master’s students and $2,000 to those in doctoral programs to conduct research related to autism. This year, OAR is awarding 10 grants totaling $17,599.68. These new grants add up to more than $305,755 awarded to fund…
I wasn’t diagnosed with autism level 1 until later in life. I was 35 when my counselor and I figured it out. It still took a while to get an official medical diagnosis. But once I did, it was one of the most validating things I’ve ever experienced in my life. I finally had the…
April has a lot to offer when it comes to autism awareness and acceptance. In case you missed some of these special PBS shows, never fear! They are still available for you and your family to watch via streaming. So pop a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Max “Daniel Tiger’s…
