Many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face a dilemma in the workplace: being treated differently by their neurotypical coworkers. Some describe being treated with kid gloves, as if they are powder kegs that could go off at any moment. Others describe their coworkers looking at them with unwarranted levels of pity, as if their…
In this article, Jennifer Rose writes about a friendship that’s based on their similarities and compatibility, not on their disabilities. Jennifer is a self-advocate and a student at the College of St. Elizabeth. My mom wanted me to have a memorable summer last year. Naturally, she considered a list of options, such as seeing my older cousin…
Erin Clemens, a self-advocate, gives stellar advice about what to do if your child is just diagnosed with autism. This loving and thoughtful advice will really make a difference in how your child accepts the diagnosis, and it will help you accept the diagnosis also. This post was originally written on The Mighty. As someone…
The following post is by Jeanette Purkis, a self-advocate; and is taken with permission from her website. It is about the following “traps” that many people with autism find themselves in, and how to avoid being exploited and manipulated. Purkis also includes personal anecdotes about times when she has been manipulated by others. When I was…
Kay Lomas, a mother, writer, and a recently diagnosed self-advocate, discusses the difficulties of working when you have autism. In this post, which was originally posted on The Mighty, Lomas writes about her personal stressors with work while relating her personal experience to the shockingly low statistic of individuals with autism who are employed full-time.…
Melanie Makovsky, a blogger, writes about how back to school for her family is different, because two of her children have autism. In this article, originally posted on The Mighty, Melanie goes in depth on how her back-to-school season is different from most families. Sometimes it seems like back-to-school season is an extended and complicated…
Transitioning to college is an exciting but stressful time for students and families. It is an adventure in self-advocacy, independent living, and balancing social life with the rigor of academics. The suggestions below offer ways you and your college-bound student can make this new adventure a successful one. When choosing a college, plan a visit…
One might assume that college wouldn’t be on the radar for someone on the autism spectrum. However, I believe that my autism helped me to be successful in college. Without it, I would not have received the social skills therapy that helped me hone my coping skills and enhanced my self-discovery and self-advocacy. By high…
It is widely known that adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face obstacles that impede their quality of life. It is not as clear why so many become disconnected from services and educational or employment opportunities once they leave high school. In 2015, OAR awarded a two-year $30,000 grant to Connie Anderson, Ph.D., assistant professor…
While there are many resources for young adults heading off to college, only a few are available for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In January, OAR published “Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum” to help young adults with ASD navigate the college scene. Students headed to college can also…
