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Education

Facebook May Provide “Safe Space” for Adults with ASD

According to Brenda Wiederhold, Editor-in-Chief of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, “some studies report up to 50 percent adults [with autism] have co-occurring social anxiety disorder.” A new study suggests that moderate use of Facebook is associated with increased happiness and self-confidence in these adults, providing a “safe space” for improving communication.

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Finding Resources

Self-advocate Kat Albee highlights ways in which those on the spectrum can be resourceful and hold onto a positive outlook in a variety of real-world situations. This is Part One of her post. Part Two will be featured in next week’s blog.   Changing Your Mindset I recently read a memoir called Growing Up Yanomamo. It’s about…

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Scholarship Program Open for Applications

OAR is accepting applications for the 2018 OAR Scholarship Program through Monday, May 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants can apply to either the Schwallie Family Scholarship or the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship. Each offers one-time $3,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (DSM-IV or 5 criteria) pursuing full-time post-secondary, undergraduate education in the…

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“Kit for Kids” Promotes Autism Awareness

Since its introduction in April 2012, the “Kit for Kids” peer education program has reached more than 90,000 students. The goal of the “Kit for Kids,” which includes the story, “What’s up with Nick?”, is to promote autism awareness and acceptance of classmates with autism among children (grades K-8) in a non-threatening and age-appropriate manner.…

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Succeeding on the College Campus

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) necessitates that all school districts in the country make available transition services for individuals with disabilities once they reach age 16. Yet, according to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, research that addresses lifespan issues, including transitions to adulthood, physical and mental health conditions, and community integration, consistently remained the…

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OAR Releases New College Guide

Adjusting to the unstructured freedom that comes with attending college can be difficult for anyone, but for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the college experience can be especially challenging. In addition to learning to lead independent lives juggling social and academic demands, students with ASD have limited services and accommodations to support their…

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Plan Ahead for Significant Support Needs

The transition from school-age years to adulthood is a stressful period for families of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Under the best of circumstances, the shift from school to life after graduation can be difficult. These challenges are amplified when individuals with ASD present with significant support needs (e.g., behavioral problems). Most experts agree…

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Scholarship Applications Accepted through May 7

OAR will accept applications for the 2018 OAR Scholarship Program starting Monday, December 4, 2017 through Monday, May 7, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants can apply to either the Schwallie Family Scholarship or the Lisa Hussman Scholarship. Each offers $3,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (DSM-IV or 5 criteria) pursuing full-time…

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