On March 3, a group of autism researchers and advocates announced the creation of an independent advisory body to help guide autism research priorities, according to Reuters. The group held its first meeting on March 19, which was also when the federally mandated Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) would have met, had the meeting not…
Join us this April as we come together to build a stronger, more inclusive community where autistic individuals can thrive. Goal 1: Provide informational resources to the autism community. OAR offers a wide range of free informational resources for the autism community. On our website, you’ll find resources for parents, self-advocates, siblings, educators, health professionals,…
OAR thanks all the participants in this year’s Youth Art Contest. We received submissions from 100 talented artists representing 22 states and four countries, each offering a unique interpretation of the theme, Courage. Every piece reflected creativity, thoughtfulness, and a meaningful connection to the theme, and we were truly inspired by the remarkable talent shared…
During Autism Acceptance Month, OAR is asking supporters to turn awareness into impact with our 30-Day Fundraising Challenge—a fast-paced opportunity to raise critical funds for autism research and make a measurable difference. Here’s how: Launch a personal fundraising page anytime in April and commit to fundraising over a 30-day period. Have an event, bake some…
In October 2025, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for eight applied autism research grants. These new research grants, totaling $397,372, bring OAR’s total research funding to $5.8 million since 2002. This article is the fourth of the previews in The OARacle this year. Autistic individuals in the United States are roughly four times more…
As both an educator and a writer—and as the parent of an autistic child—I have learned that one of the most powerful tools a parent can bring to an IEP or therapy meeting is not just data, test scores, or reports, but a clear, cohesive developmental narrative. Too often, parents walk into these meetings carrying…
A Swedish study recently published in BMJ suggests that autism may not be more prevalent in boys than girls. Researchers analyzed autism diagnoses in children born in Sweden between 1985 and 2020. By the end of the study in 2022, the male-to-female ratio was 1.2 and researchers projected that it would be equal at age 20 by 2024. Historically,…
Health and wellness directly impact one’s quality of life, and autistic people deserve access to healthcare that effectively supports their needs now and in the future. Developed by autism community members, these free resources promote best practices and practical solutions to support autistic people’s health and quality of life. They include helpful information for self-advocates, their parents, and the healthcare professionals who support…
A client once told me she avoids telling doctors she’s autistic. “What’s the point?” she said. “Once I mention it, I turn into either a fascination or a fraud.” Her words stayed with me. Many autistic adults describe the same pattern: when they share their diagnosis, the energy in the room shifts. Some providers become overly curious, turning the…
Interest in nutrition and fitness for people with autism has never been higher. Families, educators, and support professionals overwhelmingly agree that healthy eating, movement, and aging well matter for one’s quality of life. Yet when it comes time to join a program, attend a class, or change routines at home, participation often drops. This gap…
