Erin Clemens is a self-advocate with autism. In this post, which was originally posted on The Mighty, Erin talks about the benefits of an official autism diagnosis; she also writes about how depression affects her, specifically about the difficulties of being diagnosed with both autism and depression. Being on the autism spectrum affects my life…
Louis Scarantino is an autism self-advocate. In this post, Louis discusses his experience in college, and what he would change if he had the opportunity to return. Louis’ story provides excellent insight on what it is like to attend college as someone on the spectrum. Every child goes to school from kindergarten through their senior year…
In this week’s blog, Jennifer Rose talks about going to Dorney Park, an amusement park, with some friends. She hilariously mentions the problems she encountered at the park, and how she overcame them. Jennifer’s comedic narrative reminds all of us not to take life too seriously, and to be flexible with plans. She also writes…
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 this success…
On Monday, October 15, 2018, OAR hosted its second webinar event on the topic of sexuality. The webinar featured Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., OAR Scientific Council chairman and executive director of the EPIC School (Paramus, N.J.), and Amy Gravino, M.A., president of A.S.C.O.T. Consulting. They provided a wealth of helpful information, including: Existing literature on sexuality…
“It feels like whenever my family and I are out in public, my autistic brother will have a full-blown meltdown. People always stare so I get really embarrassed, but I also worry about how angry he gets. What can I do about this?” This is one of the many challenges siblings grapple with when they…
In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upped its estimate of autism prevalence in children from 1 in 68 to 1 in 59. That is an alarming number. In our family, however, it is even higher. Of my wife’s and my four grandchildren, two — twin granddaughters — were diagnosed on the autism…
OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for this study in October 2017. Virginia Walker, Ph.D., BCBA-D, an assistant professor who transferred to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte mid-year, is now conducting her OAR-funded study. Dr. Walker’s study brings the total number of applied studies funded in 2017 to seven. Many students with autism…
This article has been updated by the author in November 2022. Most articles about holiday celebrations focus on helping the autistic individual be prepared for the big day. Yes, it helps to do a social story, show pictures from prior events, and walk them through what to expect. But most of what needs to happen…
“Dina,” the documentary about a Pennsylvania woman with autism has already received several awards, including the grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival. “Dina” is about Dina Buno, a woman with autism, and her husband, Scott Levin, who is also on the autism spectrum. This documentary has already been shown to a select…
