OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM offers a DIY – Athletic Events program that allows you to participate in any run, walk, triathlon, or other athletic event and dedicate your activity to fundraising for OAR. Simply sign up for the event you choose and start asking family, friends, and others to sponsor you as raise funds for…
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…
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…
Two new studies have found older autistic adults are at risk for age-related physical conditions and injuries and are particularly susceptible to certain mental health issues. The studies were presented at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) annual meeting, held May 3-6 in Stockholm, Sweden. The research presented is considered preliminary until it is…
Earlier this year, OAR laid out a set of ambitious goals to continue engaging community members in celebration of April’s Autism Acceptance Month. OAR staff worked with teachers, parents, clinicians, autistic individuals, employers, and researchers to support their local initiatives and increase autism acceptance. This recap describes what was accomplished in partnership with community supporters…
Two fathers, both members of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team, describe what is like to raise autistic children, from diagnosis to achievements to lessons learned and the bonds they have with their children. Opportunities The COVID-19 pandemic created a lot of challenges to navigate, but it also presented new opportunities. At the onset of the…
The Hire Autism Active for Autism 5k team, comprised of volunteers, supporters, and staff, came together in April to raise $3,804 for the Changing Lives Fund. OAR would like to extend a special thanks to team members Claudia Zacharias, Jeff Crawford, Brigit Parratore, Kayla Birdsall, Caitlin Schaefer, Amanda Rioux, Forrest Short, Alana Thomas, Julie Beeker,…
“I hope the film shows Dads like me that it doesn’t have to be quite so lonely, and actually talking about ‘it’ can only help you and your child.” – Richard Peake, a father featured in the film June is the month we celebrate fathers and their contributions to their families. An Australian documentary, “DAD,”…
The fifth annual Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash was another huge success, raising over $50,000 for OAR’s Changing Lives Fund. This year, 389 virtual and in-person participants, representing three countries and 28 states plus Washington D.C., dedicated their miles to autism research. OAR is grateful to all the participants, fundraisers, donors, and sponsors who helped to make this event an outstanding success! Check…
