In October 2024, OAR’s Board of Directors authorized funding for six applied autism research grants and one autism resource grant. These new research grants, totaling $338,844, bring OAR’s total research funding to $5.3 million since 2002. This article is the fifth of the previews to be featured in The OARacle this year. In a 2014 study of newly diagnosed…
Across the lifespan, autistic people are more likely to have a diagnosis of obesity than non-autistic people. For this article, “obesity” refers to the medical diagnosis of an elevated body mass index. It is important to be mindful of variety in preferences related to term use (for example, a preference for “larger body size” instead…
Our bodies are designed to move. Every bit of movement counts as physical activity, which is critical for maintaining good health. Physical activity doesn’t have to be intensive sports or heavy gym workouts. There are many other practical ways to stay active and healthy. Health behavior scientists recognize that excessive sedentary behavior is a risk…
Job searching is hard, even for the most qualified and skilled candidates. Whether you’re just starting your job search or several months into the process, it’s easy to get discouraged. Luckily, this article provides strategies and tips to help you stay motivated from the initial search to the offer letter. Don’t Neglect Your Interests Outside…
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s when I was a child (and later re-diagnosed with autism after high school), and I felt so different from everyone else growing up. I didn’t feel like anyone in my school could relate to me. Then I saw the movie A Beautiful Mind. For the very first time, a character…
In 2023, OAR and the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) awarded grants of up to $10,000 to organizations and community members to support the design, development, and distribution of information resources that aim to enhance the physical and mental health of autistic individuals. These published resources cover a range of important topics…
Happy Autism Acceptance Month! This year, OAR has set some ambitious and actionable goals for promoting autism awareness and acceptance across the country. Here’s how we can work together to make a difference. Goal 1: Provide informational resources to families of autistic individuals. OAR’s collection of Life Journey Through Autism guidebooks offers high-quality, research-based information…
Autism doesn’t end after high school graduation, but the American school system often fails to effectively prepare students for adulthood. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires a transition plan by age 16, but this is too late. Transition planning should start earlier, with the student actively participating to encourage self-advocacy. I will share…
On February 13, President Donald Trump established through executive order the Make America Healthy Again Commission with a charge to investigate and address “the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases,” including autism. He selected Robert Kennedy Jr., who was recently confirmed by Congress as Secretary of…
“I’m not a fast runner. I’m not an elite runner or a marathon maniac. I’m just a dad.” While humble about it, Dillon TenBrink is no stranger to marathons; he’s been running them for the past 15 years. This spring, he’ll run the 2025 TCS London Marathon as part of the RUN FOR AUTISM team.…
