Welcome!

university-school-education-graphic-iconHigh school is an exciting time in your life. It’s the time when you discover who you are as an individual, and how you define yourself within the whole of society. Just as important, it’s a time to prepare for adulthood and independence.

In addition to the everyday challenges, mistakes, and adventures that come with the typical high school experience, many of us on the autism spectrum face unique challenges. Some of you might struggle more with planning and time management than others normally would. For many, making friends simply doesn’t happen overnight, and requires a great deal of effort.

This section of the website is dedicated to supporting high school students on the autism spectrum.

 

Ask the Editor     Scholarships     Transition Guide     Volunteer

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iconmonstr-help-3-240The Spectrum Sage

At OAR, we believe it’s important for you to be able to ask autism-related questions that address your immediate needs. The Spectrum Sage is a space dedicated to engaging self-advocates in a meaningful way. This is how it works:

  • Anyone can submit a question that relates to autism.
  • You can specify if you would like the question answered by a parent, sibling, scientist, person on the spectrum, etc.
  • We will find a person to answer the question for you.

 

The Spectrum Sage
 
 
Scholarships
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We offer scholarship opportunities for students with autism attending college, technical schools, trade schools, life skills programs, and other job-readiness programs after high school. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities here.

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Apply

 
A Guide for Transition to Adulthood

Transition to adulthood guide

We know transitioning from high school to the real world brings a mix of emotions, from eagerness to apprehension. On days when the anxiety outweighs the excitement, we can feel better about the future by preparing ourselves as much as possible for it.

This is a resource that can help you do just that. Although it’s written with parents in mind, it’s a powerful tool that can help inform you on the following topics:

  • Your legal rights
  • Accessing multiple sources of support
  • IEP planning and how to be involved
  • Postsecondary education and independent living

“Adulthood is the defining period of one’s life, and it is our accomplishments as adults for which we are generally most proud. It shouldn’t be any different for a person with an autism spectrum disorder.” – Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., OAR Scientific Council Chairman

We don’t have a magic crystal ball that will tell you how your life will turn out, but by working with your teachers, family and friends, you can make effective transition plans that will help lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling future marked by greater independence and freedom. We hope this resource helps.        .

 

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Volunteer with Us

Are you a high school student interested in volunteering with us? If your answer is yes, then look no further! You can join the cause by…

  • support-volunteer-partner-support-hand-shake-handshake-graphic-icon

    starting your own bake sale to raise money for autism research

  • teaching younger students about autism
  • creating online graphic designs
    …and more!

 

Join us
          

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