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…
OAR congratulates the five recently awarded recipients of the Autism Education Grant Program. We are grateful to The Sunshine Foundation for contributing to the grants provided to this newest group of grantees. Launched earlier this year, the Autism Education Grant Program supports projects that aim to promote autism awareness and acceptance among K-8 students through the…
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…
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.…
Choosing the right ABA therapist for your child is a big decision for any parent. You need to feel comfortable that their style and personality will work well with your child’s specific needs and feel confident that they possess the right experience and expertise. However, knowing what to look for and how to assess therapists…
April has a lot to offer when it comes to autism awareness and acceptance. In case you missed some of these special PBS shows, never fear! They are still available for you and your family to watch via streaming. So pop a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Max “Daniel Tiger’s…
With your support during National Autism Awareness Month, OAR impacted thousands of autistic individuals, their peers, families, educators, and health care providers. Thank you for joining us and helping us to achieve this year’s campaign goals! OAR will release the total impact of our cooperative efforts in the June issue of The OARacle. These are…
Last month, OAR hosted a Health Webinar Series that examined critical health care issues faced by young autistic adults. If you missed these live events, don’t panic. All of OAR’s webinar events are available online. Stay tuned to The OARacle over the next few issues as we dive deeper into mental health challenges that disproportionately…
Obesity in children is a major public health concern; in fact, 18.5 percent of children in the United States are considered obese. For autistic children, evidence suggests the percentage is even higher. Factors such as unusual dietary preferences, noncompliant behavior, decreased exercise, social isolation, and frequent use of psychotropic medication associated with weight gain may…
