While the physical transition to a new living environment will not occur until your child has at least finished high school, preparation for that transition can start much earlier. As autistic individuals generally require more time to learn life skills, it is recommended that key personal care and daily living skills be introduced no later…
In November, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for seven applied autism research studies in 2023. These new grants, totaling $276,212, bring OAR’s total research funding to more than $4.7 million since 2002. This article is the last of the seven previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Sleep concerns affect up to…
In today’s interconnected world, no one is immune to social media’s portrayal of perfect parenthood, but reality is rarely seamless. This immaculate portrait of parenting is not only unattainable, it is discouraging and breeds guilt as we fall short of effectuating this model within our own families. Raising any child is extremely stressful. While parenting…
It is summertime, and pools, beaches, lakes, and ponds are wonderful places to enjoy recreation. For autistic children, though, places near water can be dangerous because they have a tendency to wander. A 2018 study that surveyed parents reported that 40% of them said that their child had wandered or attempted to wander at least…
It’s 5:45 in the morning, and her feet patter into the room. She gets into the bed, rests her head next to mine on the pillow, and yells “Ruff” right in my ear. “Ruff, wake up, Daddy, Ruff.” Yep, dogs are still one of her favorite animals. I turn and say, “Ruff, good morning, Kenz.…
For most parents, the autism diagnosis can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the details and complexities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They are expected to educate themselves on medical details, the range of treatment options, and new approaches to interacting with their child. Understanding a complex disorder such as autism often requires…
Our family is big on making and celebrating moments. It’s one of those weird things when you’re growing up, and you hear people constantly taking a beat to encourage you to soak in what’s taking place. It usually means a lot of crying. Usually points to plenty of reflecting. Some morbid talk about funerals sneaks…
During the summer months, children will spend a lot of their free time outside. So, it’s important to have a plan in place to prevent wandering and elopement of children on the spectrum. OAR’s Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide to Safety has useful tips on how to explain autism and your child’s tendency to…
Fathers are a primary communication and play partner for children. They play and talk with children in different ways than mothers do, providing important support for social communication and play development. Despite this critical role in child development, fathers are underrepresented in both autism communication intervention and research. Fathers have described feeling like the “odd…
In November, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for seven applied autism research studies in 2023. These new grants, totaling $276,212, bring OAR’s total research funding to more than $4.7 million since 2002. This article is the sixth of seven previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. Autistic children have marked deficits in communication…
