As we shake off the last chills of winter and welcome the warm sunshine, it’s the perfect time to talk about something close to my heart: the power of getting active, especially for our autistic loved ones. Did you know that a bit of movement can do wonders? In this blog post, we’ll explore how…
Maybe you’re looking for experience in your desired career field. Or maybe your parents said it’s time for you to pay for some things on your own. Or maybe you just want to make some money over the summer to open a savings account. Whatever the reason, searching for a job or internship can be…
OAR welcomed six autistic students, including five rising seniors, from the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) to learn about OAR’s programs and resources in March. The AIM program, founded in 2008, supports autistic students and helps them thrive in five domains: academic, social, emotional, vocational, and independent living. AIM’s support includes: A yearly summer college…
Ten navigators and two regional ambassadors joined the Hire Autism team in April. By helping to refine resumes, cover letters, and interview skills, navigators play a vital role in equipping job seekers with the tools necessary to prepare them for the job search and meet their employment goals. Ambassadors use their personal experience and talents…
While Autism Acceptance Month has now come and gone, we know many of you wish to remain active, do more for the cause, or start something new. Here are some ways to do just that. Volunteer your time Are you a parent, educator, or autistic individual who: Wants to share your unique advice or story…
In a study published in 2023, more autistic college students reported below-average mental health (22.9%) than their non-autistic peers (14.3%), highlighting the critical importance of information for autistic college students about mental health and how to maintain good mental health. Created by a team led by Vanessa Bal, Ph.D., and Evan Kleiman, Ph.D., at Rutgers…
In November, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for seven applied autism research studies in 2023. These new grants, totaling $276,212, bring OAR’s total research funding to more than $4.7 million since 2002. This article is the fifth of seven previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Child sexual abuse is a persistent and…
In any relationship you have, there will be agreements and disagreements. That is normal. As you get to know an acquaintance, for example, you may disagree on the best pizza place in town. Or a friend may accidentally forget what time you were going to meet to play video games. Disagreements and mistakes happen in…
Judith Heumann, the “mother of the disability rights movement,” and an influential figure throughout the disability community, passed away on March 4, 2023. Renowned on a global scale as a fierce activist and advocate for the disabled community, she will be remembered for breaking barriers in both her personal and professional life. Breaking Barriers from…
Congratulations to Jade Brown, the recipient of OAR’s Fall 2022 Synchrony Tech Scholarship. The Synchrony Tech Scholarship supports autistic adults interested in pursuing or advancing their career in the tech sector by obtaining a technology-related certification. Scholarship award amounts depend on the technology-related certification program and range from $500 to $5,000. Brown will use her…
