A Shift in Communication Early in my career as a school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP), I worked with a student who had very limited verbal speech. His frustration often led to behavioral outbursts, as he struggled to make his needs known. I introduced an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) core board that allowed him to choose…
ARLINGTON, VA, April 17, 2025 – In celebration of April Month of the Military Child, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is proud to announce the recipients of the Operation Autism grant. These awards recognize and fund support groups that are making a difference in the lives of military families impacted by autism. Each award…
OAR received entries from 111 talented artists across 20 states and four countries with their interpretations of the theme, “Dreams,” for this year’s Youth Art Contest. Every entry showcased creativity and a deep connection to the theme, and we were truly inspired by the incredible talent on display. We are grateful for their thoughtful contributions! …
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is planning a large study to look into potential connections between autism and vaccines, according to a March 10 Reuters article, even though extensive past studies have found no links. While the CDC has not provided details about the study, The Washington Post reported that the…
This April, athletes around the country will lace up their sneakers for a good cause: the annual Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash. OAR’s signature 5K is back for its seventh year, in-person on April 13 in Alexandria, Virginia, and virtually anywhere between April 1 and 12. Don’t miss out on this exciting and…
In 2023, OAR and the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) awarded grants of up to $10,000 to organizations and community members to support the design, development, and distribution of information resources that aim to enhance the physical and mental health of autistic individuals. These published resources cover a range of important topics…
Happy Autism Acceptance Month! This year, OAR has set some ambitious and actionable goals for promoting autism awareness and acceptance across the country. Here’s how we can work together to make a difference. Goal 1: Provide informational resources to families of autistic individuals. OAR’s collection of Life Journey Through Autism guidebooks offers high-quality, research-based information…
There’s a particular diner that sits in the heart of Times Square in New York City that is a family favorite of ours. On a recent visit, we squeezed sideways through the cramped aisles of the bustling dining room, sliding into our booth. As we scanned the menus for dinner selections, the waiter breezed up.…
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 fourth of the previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Profound autism affects the whole family, siblings…
According to the National Council on Severe Autism, nearly 2.7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with nearly 30% meeting the criteria for profound autism. While the entire spectrum deserves recognition and support, “profound autism” is a term intended to provide clarification about autistic people who require 24/7…
