Diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, are trendy topics in today’s world. So, what do they mean? Diversity, equity, and inclusion are interconnected concepts that aim to ensure fair treatment, representation, and a sense of belonging for all individuals, particularly those historically marginalized. The concept of DEI has roots in social justice movements of the…
The 2026 OAR Scholarship Program opens for applications on Friday, December 5, 2025, and remains open until Monday, April 20, 2026. Applicants may apply to only one of OAR’s postsecondary scholarships, which include the Schwallie Family Scholarship, the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship, and the Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color. Each program offers $3,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with autism spectrum…
ARLINGTON, VA, August 15, 2025 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarships, Schwallie Family Scholarships, and the Synchrony Scholarships for Autistic Students of Color. This year, these three scholarships attracted 1,150 applicants, and the awards total $204,000. At 68 total scholarships awarded, 2025…
When families think about college preparation, it’s easy to focus on grades, test scores, and applications. But for autistic students, success in college has just as much to do with what happens outside the classroom—things like managing a schedule, asking for help, or figuring out what to eat for dinner. Many autistic students arrive academically…
Networking stinks. Yes, I said it. Why? The Oxford English Dictionary defines networking as “the action or process of making use of a network of people for the exchange of information, etc., or for professional or other advantage.” That definition doesn’t help very much. Et cetera is an indication of continued similar things. “Other advantage”…
In October 2024, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for five applied autism research grants and one autism resource grant. These new research grants, totaling $288,930, bring OAR’s total research funding to $5.3 million since 2002. This article is the third of the previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Accessing and navigating campus life are challenging…
Does the mere mention of networking make your heart race? If so, you’re in good company. Autistic job seekers often find networking even more stressful than others do. But with the right skills, tools, and a deliberate approach, you can create a productive and successful networking campaign. Why network? In today’s competitive job market, it’s…
The transition to college is a difficult time for any student, but being an unidentified autistic person made this transition exponentially harder. I started uncovering my identity as an autistic person during my freshman year of college, a process that came with a lot of shame, confusion, grief, and unanswered questions. Transitioning to college comes…
