Our ongoing research at Towson University focuses on the transition to adulthood for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through interviews with 12 young adults with ASD, 35 parents, and 19 teachers, we have gained a sense of some of the issues that matter most. One thing that surprised us was how often people linked…
Many students with an educational label of autism do well academically in school and therefore receive minimal supports from special education teachers or therapists. However, these students may be slipping through the cracks when it comes to addressing their real area of need: social-emotional skills. For these students, passing their exams and classes may mask…
Many people with autism find comfort in structure, lists, and routines. Not me. I’m one of those people who absolutely cannot operate within such constraints. It’s one of the reasons I became a self-employed artist to begin with. However, some degree of goal setting and measurement is necessary to turn a talent into a successful…
OAR aims to stimulate autism research through the Applied Research Competition. We encourage aspiring and experienced autism researchers alike to submit applications. If you are interested in submitting a proposal in 2020 for a grant starting in 2021, OAR has the tools you need. We recently produced a new video with an accompanying preparation tip…
It’s holiday season, a time of thanks, joy, and quality time spent with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or attending one as a guest, there is a lot of preparation involved, from picking out which outfit to wear to deciding what dish to make. For your loved one with autism, there are…
Whether a job provides financial support, personal fulfillment, social opportunities, or some combination of these, it is a very important component of adult life. In fact, what one does for a living is often regarded as a defining feature of that person and their role in society. Finding the right employment match for a student…
One of the scariest times for a parent is when their child goes to college. If you are the parent of a child with autism or other disability, this time becomes even scarier. Parents who have been advocating for their child for several years through events like IEP meetings and therapist appointments are suddenly told,…
As a parent, securing the financial future of your child with autism is an important concern. Public benefit programs can help your child pay for the things they need by providing financial assistance, nutritional support, and healthcare after high school. However, securing these benefits can be extremely difficult. Eligibility requirements are complex and confusing, vary…
Family vacations that involve a road trip can often excite more anxiety than anticipation. And that may be particularly true for families with a child who has autism. An inability to adapt to change and new things can make road trips harder for children with autism, but it doesn’t have to be that way. These…
Making friends and maintaining friendships can be a challenging task for any child. For children with autism, difficulties with social and communication skills can make the task exponentially more difficult. Add in time for appointments and therapies and it can seem impossible. Let me reassure you that it’s not. Through a team approach and some…
