In October, OAR released an audio version of the Sex Ed. for Self-Advocates guide. Topics of sex, sexuality, and relationships are very important in terms of personal growth, development, and safety, but few resources exist about them that directly address the needs and concerns of people with autism. By widening the accessibility of this resource,…
Are you looking to purchase a technology product as a gift for someone with autism? If so, please do not go out and buy the latest hyped technology gizmo you just saw on a home shopping channel or read about online. Rather, spend some time first to consider what your family member with autism spectrum…
Our son, William, who is in the 8th grade, plans his Halloween costume a year in advance. Yes, officially our holiday season begins long before the fall. William is not concerned with what others think. He chooses his costume and takes to the festivities of the day. Maybe it is just the simple pleasure of…
Executive functions are the set of thinking skills that allow us to successfully set goals, make plans, wait for what we want, organize information, and be flexible. These skills are critical to doing well in school, at work, and living on our own. People with autism, however, often have difficulty with executive functions, preventing them…
It’s holiday season, a time of thanks, joy, and quality time spent with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or attending one as a guest, there is a lot of preparation involved, from picking out which outfit to wear to deciding what dish to make. For your loved one with autism, there are…
This blog post has been adapted from “Chapter 4: Vocation and Employment” of OAR’s resource “A Guide for Transition to Adulthood”. When considering a possible job, it is important to consider when and if your young adult will disclose if they have ASD. For employment opportunities, if they have had assistance securing the job and…
Jump to Episode: Episode 1: Public vs. Private Episode 2: Puberty (non-binary) Episode 2.5: Puberty (gendered) Episode 3: Healthy Relationships Episode 4: Consent Episode 5: Dating 101 Episode 6: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Episode 7: Am I Ready? Episode 8: Sexual Activity Episode 9: Online Relationships and Safety Episode 1: Public vs.…
How is it that my autistic son will be nineteen years old next month? How is he not still the cute little dude who used to fit on my lap; how is it that he is now so much bigger than me that I am now wearing his hand-me-downs? Time flies just as fast when…
While the use of virtual reality in teaching and supporting people with autism is not new, educators and others are finding new ways to use the technology. A Massachusetts school district, for example, has turned to the technology to serve its students with disabilities. According to a DisabilityScoop article, the Holten Richmond Middle School of…
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 $269,970 in grants to fund 149 graduate research studies. Last year, OAR made grants to 11 students with grant awards totaling $20,372. OAR hopes to build on this success in 2020,…
