Toni’s 26.2 for David
Toni is incredibly proud of her 6-year-old nephew, David. “Anyone that meets David instantly falls in love with his creative, gentle, and uplifting personality,” she said. Toni is part of the RUN FOR AUTISM team at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, running for David, who was diagnosed with autism when he was 18…
Team Baby Bat runs the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
This October, friends Natalie and Corina laced up their running shoes for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of the RUN FOR AUTISM team. The duo comprises team Baby Bat, named for Natalie’s daughter, Amaranta, who was affectionately nicknamed “Baby Bat” by Corina. Natalie and Corina wanted to run for a cause…
Jojo’s Run for Autism Resources
Working with neurodivergent individuals has always been a key part of Jojo Levey’s life, as a tutor, family member, and now runner for the Organization for Autism Research. This fall, she’s racing the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, her second marathon with the RUN FOR AUTISM program. She chose OAR as her charity for…
Neuroinclusive Apartment Building Breaks Ground
Through the cooperative efforts of a parents group, a developer, and Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS), a one-of-a-kind neuro-inclusive apartment building will open in early 2027, according to an August press release about the groundbreaking. Located in Red Bank, NJ, the three-story, 34,000-square-foot residential building, THRIVE Red Bank, will provide 32 one-bedroom apartments…
Jessica Newell Joins OAR as Hire Autism Associate
Jessica Newell, the recently hired Hire Autism associate, coordinates Hire Autism’s Navigator Program, which includes training and supporting the volunteer mentors who serve as navigators. “Navigators are paired with autistic job seekers to help with resumes, cover letters, and interview skills. If you fill out the contact form on Hireautism.org to volunteer as a navigator,…
OARtober Events You Can’t Miss
From in-person gatherings to virtual opportunities, this October offers you fun ways to support OAR and connect with others. Game Night Trivia with OAR Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 16, when Port City Brewery in Alexandria, VA, will host a fun-filled Game Night Trivia with OAR. Join us at 7 pm for trivia competitions…
Preventing Substance Use
Substance use disorder is a widespread problem that affects one in 10 Americans, including autistic adults. While there is evidence-based programming for adults who engage in unhealthy substance use, those programs are not designed for autistic people. In their 2023 OAR-funded study, ADAPT: Development of a Substance Use Disorder Prevention Class for Autistic Adults, Laura…
Reimagining Healthcare for Autistic Adults
A new patient walks into my office, looking like a lot of my patients do: exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure whether I’m going to be just another doctor who doesn’t believe them. They’ve already seen a dozen specialists. Some have said “it’s just anxiety.” Others didn’t even say that much. They’ve been told their test results…
How Mental Health Providers Can Help Aging Autistic Adults
A huge industry exists to address the needs, activities, and preferences of older adults (65+) and those approaching older age (50+), a rapidly growing segment of our population. Autistic adults are among this growing population and, like everyone else, have emerging needs as they enter their 50s, 60s, and above. Some needs are like those…
