The Report on the Condition of Education 2024, recently released by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, found that, in 2023, a record number of students with disabilities were enrolled in an educational institution. As noted in the report, “the number of U.S. students ages 3–21 served under IDEA increased from…
Back-to-school season brings the excitement of new beginnings. For parents who have a child entering special education or whose child is starting a new year in special education, it can be stressful as well as exciting. Many teachers, administrators, and school support staff lack the background and training to meet the unique needs of autistic…
“Your child has autism.” These words mark the beginning of a complex and often overwhelming journey for many parents. For me, they were not only a call to understand my son Josiah’s unique needs but also a call to navigate the intricate world of special education (SPED) law. As both a parent of an autistic…
In November, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight applied autism research studies in 2024. These new grants, totaling $297,569, bring OAR’s total research funding to more than $5 million since 2002. This article is seventh of eight previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. The rise in prevalence of people diagnosed…
Your child’s individualized education program (IEP) comes with a team of school-based experts, including a special education teacher, school representative (often termed the local educational agency or LEA representative), and in many cases, related service providers, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Importantly, your child’s IEP team also includes you, the child’s…
This spring, OAR teamed up with several experts from its Scientific Council to deliver a three-part webinar series about autism education. This series included presentations on connection and community building, the development of confidence in mathematics, and wellbeing integration for teachers and students. Each webinar provided extensive information and practical strategies for special education teachers, self-advocates,…
OAR has helped educate more than 194,000 children through the Peer Education program since 2012. With the second cycle of grants, which opened on April 15, OAR continues its commitment to fund peer education and the promotion of autism awareness and acceptance in grades K-8 using the Kit for Kids program materials. Starting this year,…
While Autism Acceptance Month has 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 with…
Arlington, VA, April 5, 2024 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is excited to announce the recipients of its spring 2024 Peer Education Grant competition. This cycle, OAR is awarding ten grants totaling $28,258.50 to teach nearly 5,000 students about autism. Since 2012, OAR has helped educate more than 194,000 students and peers about…
OAR’s commitment to providing free resources to information for the autism community has just expanded with our new online lending library through Libby, by OverDrive. The library contains a wide range of autism-related titles for autistic individuals, parents, and professionals. You can also access many of OAR’s titles, including A Guide to Safety, A Guide for…
