Thinking upon three autistics, my middle son (age 20), my adult partner, and myself, I came up with this list of eight suggestions for more effectively interacting with our loved ones, friends, and colleagues: Having predictability in my day. I do best when I know what to expect. I don’t like surprises of any sort; not…
OAR’s inaugural Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash on April 14 in Alexandria, Va. raised over $15,000 for OAR. The top fundraiser, Sadia Heil, raised $1,000 while former OAR intern Kyleigh McGrail supported OAR through the Virtual 5K and raised over $250. The money raised will help OAR fund new research, award scholarships to…
OAR is accepting applications for the 2019 OAR Scholarship Program through Monday, May 6, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants can apply to either the Schwallie Family Scholarship or the Lisa Hussman Scholarship. Each offers $3,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (DSM-IV or 5 criteria) pursuing full-time post-secondary, undergraduate education in the…
Have you started fundraising yet? Don’t forget that, in honor of National Autism Awareness Month, OAR is sponsoring a Facebook fundraiser challenge. OAR has partnered with From Maggie, With Love to award a custom-made item to the Facebook fundraiser that raises the most money for OAR during April. At , designer Maggie Cullen creates wooden flower creations…
OAR is currently seeking volunteers to review an updated draft of its guidebook, Life Journey Through Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Research. Research has shown that the earlier a child with autism is diagnosed and begins receiving treatment, the greater the potential for more positive outcomes in life. Thus, the first step in helping these…
On April 14, 2019, OAR will host its first annual Active For Autism 5K. Join us and bring your family and friends to the Potomac Yard Trail in Alexandria, Va. This 5K will help spread autism awareness while raising money to fund life-changing research and provide free resources to families and educators. The family-friendly event…
In a crowded hall filled with laughing and chatting teenagers devouring pizza, one girl approached me shyly. “You know, I really didn’t want to come to this, but I’ve had so much fun today.” “This” was a self-determination conference, organized by and for students with disabilities in my school system. Starting a club about self-determination…
Guest blogger Jessica uses a metaphor about her son’s ability to ride a bike as a way to explain her thoughts on his transition to middle school. This post originally appeared on Jessica’s blog Changed For Good. It’s Monday morning, the last day of winter break. We are blessed with beautiful weather in Florida. This is truly the best time of…
At the beginning of February, two members of Congress introduced the Autism CARES Act of 2019 (HR 1058). The bill would reauthorize federal research; expand funding for critical research, education, housing, and other programs; and ensure that people with autism who age out of critical assistance programs and enter adulthood are supported, according to an…
OAR is accepting applications for the 2019 OAR Scholarship Program through Monday, May 6, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants can apply to either the Schwallie Family Scholarship or the Lisa Hussman Scholarship. Each offers $3,000 scholarships to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (DSM-IV or 5 criteria) pursuing full-time post-secondary, undergraduate education in the…
