Melanie Makovsky, a blogger, writes about how back to school for her family is different, because two of her children have autism. In this article, originally posted on The Mighty, Melanie goes in depth on how her back-to-school season is different from most families. Sometimes it seems like back-to-school season is an extended and complicated…
Transitioning to college is an exciting but stressful time for students and families. It is an adventure in self-advocacy, independent living, and balancing social life with the rigor of academics. The suggestions below offer ways you and your college-bound student can make this new adventure a successful one. When choosing a college, plan a visit…
One might assume that college wouldn’t be on the radar for someone on the autism spectrum. However, I believe that my autism helped me to be successful in college. Without it, I would not have received the social skills therapy that helped me hone my coping skills and enhanced my self-discovery and self-advocacy. By high…
It is widely known that adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face obstacles that impede their quality of life. It is not as clear why so many become disconnected from services and educational or employment opportunities once they leave high school. In 2015, OAR awarded a two-year $30,000 grant to Connie Anderson, Ph.D., assistant professor…
While there are many resources for young adults heading off to college, only a few are available for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In January, OAR published “Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum” to help young adults with ASD navigate the college scene. Students headed to college can also…
Youth education leaders help tackle misconceptions about autism and encourage students to work with and befriend their peers with autism. They typically have strong leadership and communication skills. All youth education leaders are eligible to receive a volunteer t-shirt for their service and a certificate of excellence for outstanding work. OAR’s “Kit for Kids” program provides all…
Beginning Monday, September 17, OAR invites graduate students to submit research proposals for its annual Graduate Research Grant Program. Since the program was established in 2004, OAR has awarded over $249,600 in grants to fund 138 graduate research studies. Last year, OAR made grants to 11 students with grant awards totaling $21,000. OAR hopes to build on…
Austin Shinn is a self-advocate who has Asperger’s Syndrome; he blogs to fight against the negative stigma people on the spectrum have. In this piece, he briefly discusses how living in a dorm affected and changed his life. You can read his original post on his blog. The subject of advice is always a tricky one.…
Ethan Hirschberg is a teenager who blogs about his autism. In this post, Ethan responds to Michelle, one of his readers who previously asked his opinion on being affectionate. This post was originally posted on his website, The Journey Through Autism. “Ethan, I have a question for you. I have two kids with High Functioning Autism…
OAR takes great pleasure in announcing the recipients of the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship and Schwallie Family Scholarship for 2018. The two scholarships attracted over 500 applicants and the 49 awards total $147,000. Through this program, OAR has now provided scholarships to 318 students with autism – a total financial contribution of $954,000 since the…
