At summer’s end, five volunteers completed training to become Hire Autism’s newest navigators. Navigators prepare job seekers for their search, helping them to gain new confidence and skills. Beau Ramirez, Meena Bappudi, Dwight Garvin, Terri Swanson, and Jessica Lizardi come from various personal and professional backgrounds, with careers in sales, healthcare technology, project management, education,…
On September 25, OAR hosted OAR Impact Day: From Research to Reality to bring together autistic individuals, families, researchers, and direct service providers and celebrate the meaningful impact research has on the autism community. The virtual event showcased the many ways OAR’s funded research has translated into practical tools, interventions, and programs. The archived event materials are available to access for free on…
On Saturday, November 29, enjoy your favorite dishes at P.F. Chang’s Arlington, located at 901 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, and help support OAR’s mission to apply research to the everyday challenges of autism. Invite friends, family, or visiting guests and make an evening of it. Your dinner plans can help create lasting change for the autism community. Thanks…
Jessica Newell, the recently hired Hire Autism associate, coordinates Hire Autism’s Navigator Program, which includes training and supporting the volunteer mentors who serve as navigators. “Navigators are paired with autistic job seekers to help with resumes, cover letters, and interview skills. If you fill out the contact form on Hireautism.org to volunteer as a navigator,…
From in-person gatherings to virtual opportunities, this October offers you fun ways to support OAR and connect with others. Game Night Trivia with OAR Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 16, when Port City Brewery in Alexandria, VA, will host a fun-filled Game Night Trivia with OAR. Join us at 7 pm for trivia competitions…
Arlington, VA, October 3, 2025 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is proud to share the winners of the Fall 2025 Peer Education Grant Competition. This cycle, OAR awarded $36,687 to 10 programs that support autism education for over 7,000 students in grades K-8. Since 2012, OAR has helped educate more than 257,000 students…
Arlington, VA, September 29, 2025 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Grant Competition today. These grants support the development of practical tools intended to positively impact the health of autistic individuals. Each of the Community Grant recipients will receive a one-time grant ranging between $1,000-$15,000. This year,…
Chip In Fore Autism – September 20 This fall OAR is bringing our community together again for an evening of celebration, connection, and purpose at Chip In Fore Autism. The event takes place on Saturday, September 20, at Topgolf National Harbor, beginning at 5 p.m. More than just a fundraiser, Chip In Fore Autism is…
ARLINGTON, VA, August 15, 2025 – The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarships, Schwallie Family Scholarships, and the Synchrony Scholarships for Autistic Students of Color. This year, these three scholarships attracted 1,150 applicants, and the awards total $204,000. At 68 total scholarships awarded, 2025…
The Summer Programs and Outreach Internship with OAR was perfect for me, since my goal is to one day start a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual disabilities. Along the way, I plan to contribute to the missions of other nonprofits and learn from them. This internship gave me the chance to do exactly that. …
