Research has long shown that parents of children with disabilities have additional stressors that can cause both physical and psychological tolls (Neece, et. al., 2012; Murphy, et. al., 2006; Kronenberger and Thompson, 1992). Parents of children with autism specifically often show similar declines of physical and psychological health while caring for their children (Miodrag &…
Self advocate Erin Clemens shares her thoughts regarding her undergraduate experience while studying to become a teacher, and what motivated her to finish college and beyond. This blog was originally posted on The Mighty. School was always a challenge for me. I remember struggling to understand what the teachers wanted from me. I remember fearing…
With her years of teaching experience, writer Amanda Ronan explores how the two distinct therapeutic approaches of art therapy and support dogs seem to have some interesting overlaps in the results produced with kids on the spectrum. This post was originally published on The Art of Autism. In my first years of teaching in the…
At a recent seminar, I was asked by several parents what they could do to best help their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the challenging classroom environment of today’s schools. Having worked on both sides of this issue as an educator and parent of a child with ASD, I know well the challenges…
Having a stable job can greatly contribute to a person’s sense of well-being, purpose, and independence. Historically, that stable job has eluded many young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with approximately one in five adults with ASD unemployed and nearly half in residence with a family member, according to a recent study detailed in…
OAR is proud to announce that it will be offering its first free webinar featuring Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., executive director of the EPIC School in Paramus, N.J., on April 3 at 2 p.m. ET. The webinar, Identifying Critical Skills to Promote More Positive Outcomes in the Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with ASD, will…
Ann Wagner, Ph.D., former member of OAR’s Scientific Council, became the national autism coordinator at the end of February. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar named her to the post. Dr. Wagner’s responsibilities will include working alongside government agencies to oversee the implementation of autism activities and programs across the country. Dr. Wagner…
Since its debut last year during Autism Awareness Month, OAR’s employment initiative, Hire Autism, has grown with more than 100 applicants, 31 employers, and an average of 25 jobs weekly. Most important, since October, Hire Autism has helped 13 individuals with autism find jobs. The program continues to serve the Northern Virginia area, with plans to…
