OAR is collecting photos from the community for use in its upcoming redesign of its Operation Autism website, which offers support to military families. OAR is looking for both candid and posed photos of parents, self-advocates, children of all ages, siblings, grandparents, friends, and teachers. Photos from military families are especially welcome, but we encourage…
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), popular vacation destinations such as theme parks can be overwhelming and frightening. With summer fast approaching, parents who are looking for a destination that suits everyone in the family may find the perfect spot at the nation’s first autism-friendly theme park. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit entity behind Sesame…
James Taniguchi is a 2016 OAR Scholarship recipient. This is the second post in his series for OAR’s blog. As I mentioned in my previous post, this blog will focus on my college experience so far and the social strategies I’m using to overcome my challenges with verbal communication. This post is intended to help students…
Self advocate Sue Abramowski explains how many people with ASD feel about their interests and passions, and how these passions are unique and something to be proud of. This was originally posted on The Mighty. If you’re familiar with autism, I’m sure you’ve heard of the term “special interests.” Everyone has something they have a…
James Taniguchi is a 2016 OAR Scholarship recipient. This is the first post in his series for OAR’s blog. Many of my interpersonal relationships have ended abruptly or in disappointment. Sometimes these experiences make me think there is an “invisible barrier” that constantly surrounds me. Prior to attending college, I had expected to overcome my difficulties…
Self advocate Jackie Parslow shares her experiences about being in a romantic relationship with someone who is also on the autism spectrum. This was originally posted on The Mighty. My fiance Peter and I are both autistic. While we love each other dearly, there are still obstacles with communication and other differences. As Dr. Stephen…
Self advocate Jordan Aukema shines some light on the often times overwhelming experience of sensory overload and strategies on how to cope by detailing his own encounters with this challenging phenomenon. This was originally published on The Mighty. When you hear “sensory overload,” what do you think? Most would think a loud room with lights and things rubbing against…
OAR is accepting applications for the 2018 OAR Scholarship Program through Monday, May 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants can apply to either the Schwallie Family Scholarship or the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship. Each offers one-time $3,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (DSM-IV or 5 criteria) pursuing full-time post-secondary, undergraduate education in the United…
The $1.3 trillion spending package signed by President Trump in March provides funding to aid people with disabilities who wander, increase special education funding, tackle restraint and inclusion, and implement other measures as well, says a March 28 Disability Scoop article. Most notably, the article says, the legislation provides $2 million annually through 2022 to…
“Lucas is not getting along with others in the class room.” “We need to observe his behavior.” “Is everything okay at home?” These are words a mother does not want to hear. Lucas was only in kindergarten when I heard those words. I had my own question for teachers, school specialists, and administrators: “What is…
