We all want our children to have full lives. One important component of a full life is having a healthy romantic/sexual relationship with a partner. If you are a parent, this can be a scary thought because we worry about how our kids will navigate these relationships and if they will be safe from harm…
Watching teenagers flirt can be cringe-inducing for any adult. But when the youth in question are on the spectrum, sometimes it can be all the more challenging to figure out whether—or how—to run interference. Take the case of Nina,* a 15 year-old girl who joined a recreational program for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).…
This piece was originally published on The Journey Through Autism and is re-posted here with permission. To all of the wonderful educators that have taught me: thank you for making my school life better! I have been so lucky to have such wonderful teachers in my life through elementary, middle, and the beginning of high school. Quick…
This piece was originally posted on The Mighty and is re-posted here with permission. Having autism can be tough, because you often have people who do not understand you or care about you making fun of the way you look, walk and talk. It’s a continuous battle I deal with every day. Sometimes there’s nothing…
This week’s blog is an original post by self-advocate Timothy Kiley. I’m 49 years old, and I’ve been autistic for 3 years now… Actually, I have been all my life, as are all autistic people. I just didn’t know it early on, like many of you may have. A person doesn’t just suddenly develop autism, nor…
Two independent studies published in “Pediatrics” and “JAMA Pediatrics” estimate that one in 40 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both studies drew data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. The studies looked at more than 43,000 children between ages 3 to 17. Survey respondents participated online or by mail, indicating whether a…
OAR is currently accepting applications for the Graduate Research Grant Program and Applied Research Competition. Since 2002, OAR has funded over 250 research studies, bringing its funding total to more than $3.7 million. OAR hopes to build on this success in 2019, continuing its support of research studies that offer meaningful outcomes to individuals with…
During the normal course of development, children are expected to reach certain milestones by a specific age, such as uttering their first words, taking their first steps, or engaging in joint pretend play. For children with autism, this developmental trajectory may be delayed or even regress over time. Parents who suspect their children of having…
In October, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight new applied autism research studies in 2019. These new grants, totaling $228,036, bring OAR’s total research funding to over $3.7 million since 2002. This is the first of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Transition-age (age 18 to 24) individuals who…
Scary. And necessary. Plenty of adults are reluctant to visit the doctor or dentist. But we’re also aware of the necessity and benefit that good health care provides in keeping us from serious illness. For children, however, particularly those with autism, fear can outweigh the benefits. So how can you as the parent make the…
