Keeping our children safe is a top priority and it is even a greater concern when a child has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some people with ASD are prone to wander away from their caregivers, which can make keeping them safe even more difficult. A 2011 national survey done by Dr.…
In August 2014, OAR released a set of three online Autism Sibling Support resources for parents, teens, and children. The goal was to shine a light on an important but often overlooked demographic: brothers and sisters of individuals with autism. OAR recognized that these future advocates, potential caretakers, and lifelong friends require more support and…
As each New Year begins, many of us engage in that time-honored practice of bettering ourselves by making resolutions, and I am no different. As I began thinking of my own list this year (lose those holiday pounds I have gained, set up a gym schedule and actually stick to it this year, read a…
For many parents of children with autism, even the most straightforward safety concerns can be overwhelming, often lasting into the child’s adulthood. There are questions that other parents don’t have to worry about in the same way, like, “Will my nonverbal child with autism know how to ask for help when he gets lost?” or…
Imagine standing at a podium and delivering a speech to a large audience, getting to page four only to find that the remaining pages are blank. It almost seems cruel – you have worked hard to get to that podium, with great accomplishments to show for it, and you have prepared intensely for this very…
OAR’s new guide for parents offers advice on how to help siblings of children with autism overcome the challenges they face. One of the biggest challenges these children and teenagers face is when their outside world, like school and friends, collides with their home life. Bringing friends over for a playdate or having peers ask,…
At my last reading for my book, Next Stop, a teenager came up to me for some advice. “I really love my little brother,” she said, tears springing to her eyes, “but his autism takes all of my parents’ attention. I know it sounds selfish, but what about me?” There it was again, one of autism’s…
It’s always exciting news when OAR expands its collection of informational materials for members of the autism community. Today’s announcement is even more meaningful because we’re shining the spotlight on an important but often overlooked demographic: brothers and sisters of individuals with autism. To kick off its “Autism Sibling Support” initiative, OAR is releasing a…
Have you even been thrown or pushed into a pool with no warning? You come up spluttering, wet, and unsure about exactly what just happened or what you are supposed to do next. For individuals with autism, that’s what transitions can feel like. Difficult. Bewildering. Even painful. Thanks to an unusual week-long summer program on…
“It was a long time before I accepted the fact that my son had autism,” admits James Harlan. “I want other fathers to accept the diagnosis so they can become better fathers.” He recalls battling shame as he and wife, Debra Vines, were raising their son, Jason, 26. As his friends noted traditional milestones like…
