Film portrayals of autism and other disabilities have enormous power. When neurotypical or non-disabled people see representation of autistic or disabled people in film, it serves as “easy education” — they learn from the messages in the movie. That is why misrepresentation in the film industry regarding autism and other disabilities is a serious issue.…
I see it every year. Every April, scores of well-meaning booksellers, librarians, and other professionals compile lists of books about autism. They create “Autism Awareness” book displays and social media posts, and encourage everyone to read their recommendations to learn more about autism. Which is great! But many of those lists don’t include any autistic…
OAR is developing a new digital resource to provide information and resources for late-diagnosed autistic adults. We are seeking volunteers to review the online toolkit, which is comprised of a variety of fact sheets, tip sheets, and worksheets for adults both pre- and post-diagnosis. Most autistic people receive their diagnoses early in their lives, enabling…
When I first entered the gates of Mercyhurst University in the spring of 2017, I was excited, but also scared. I was nervous at the prospect of having to navigate college life and make friends (something that has been very hard for me) as an autistic individual in a new environment. Mercyhurst was my college…
Post-graduation employment success is largely based on the foundation that is built throughout your child’s school years and early adulthood. Integrating employment-related goals early on into your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the first step in helping to set them up for success, but learning essential workplace skills must extend beyond the classroom. Regardless…
Fifty-one students received scholarships in 2021 through the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship and Schwallie Family Scholarship. The two scholarships attracted nearly 600 applicants and the 51 awards total $161,000. With these additional scholarships, OAR has awarded more than $1,331,000 to 440 autistic students since the program started in 2007. Both the Schwallie and Hussman scholarships…
The revised and updated Life Journey through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood, second edition (2021) serves as a transition planning roadmap for parents and autistic young adults as they prepare to lead more independent, involved, and enjoyable lives. It is also a great resource for educators and counselors. When autistic students graduate from high school…
In April 2021, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized a board-designated grant to fund a two-year project implementing that program at Empire. Led by Noor Syed, PhD, BCBA-D, assistant professor of applied behavior analysis and director of the Center for Autism Inclusivity, “Creating an Inclusive Institution through Multitiered Systems of Support” seeks to expand inclusivity and…
During the novel coronavirus pandemic, many autistics experienced ambivalence regarding lockdowns, telecommuting, and online education. As an autistic and parent of two elementary students, I noticed my daughters and I were more relaxed and productive without constant social contact. Yet, anxiety and fear accompanied the pandemic, along with mourning. Trauma from COVID-19 has changed us.…
Most are familiar with the concept of work burnout, symptoms of which include depression, an inability to concentrate, and loss of motivation. Recent research, however, suggests that autistic people are subject to a more severe and encompassing burnout than their neurotypical counterparts. In the article “‘Having All of Your Internal Resources Exhausted Beyond Measure and…
