Latest News | Organization for Autism Research

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Academically Talented Students With Autism Can Prepare For Success In College

January 13, 2022

Students who are both academically talented and also on the autism spectrum can enjoy greater success in college based on the correct high school experience. That’s the finding of research performed by a UConn team in the Neag School of Education and published in a recent issue of the Journal...

A parent sits on a chair and cradles a young child. The parent reads a board book to the child and smiles.

A New Study Shows The Importance Of Early Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder

January 11, 2022

A new study from The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) documents that visible social-communication differences for infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unfold by 9 months, pointing to a critical window for targeted intervention.

A child observes a sleeping hyena at a zoo.

Zoos Working To Become More Autism-Friendly

January 06, 2022

A new effort is underway to help zoos across the nation become more welcoming to individuals with autism.

Teens With Autism and Driving: Often a Tough Discussion

January 04, 2022

Half of the respondents said they routinely talk to teen patients about their transportation needs with an eye to encouraging mobility and independence, but only 1 in 5 had had such discussions with patients with autism.

Three colleagues sit at a table, typing on computers and smiling at each other.

Autism at work: How you can support neurodivergent employees through DEI practices

December 30, 2021

While people operations teams are taking a renewed focus on their practices and policies around inclusion, they ought to also take a look at their practices supporting neurodivergent employees, too.

A child is at the dentist, mouth open as the dentist and hygienist check their teeth.

Better dental visits for kids with autism? There’s an app for that

December 23, 2021

The All Smiles Shine app was created in partnership with PAOH and the Delta Dental Foundation to help the autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities communities learn about oral health care, practice preventive care at home, and prepare for an upcoming visit to the dentist.

How airlines are making travel easier for autistic passengers

December 21, 2021

Traveling can be complicated for neurodivergent travelers. That’s why airlines are working to make air travel more comfortable.

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Firm Designs Buildings To Meet Needs Of Kids With Autism

December 09, 2021

Steve Orfield thinks a building design tailored to kids with autism might be good for everyone. His business, Orfield Laboratories, based in Minneapolis, designs buildings to provide a sense of calm for anyone on the autism spectrum. Through years of consulting, he has found that the simplified design has the...

A child sits at a table, focused on a large computer screen. A parent stands behind them.

Free Video Series Can Help Kids be ‘Unstuck and On Target’

November 30, 2021

The series of free, educational videos is designed to support parents and caregivers tackling common emotional and behavioral topics to help children to stay organized, plan and reach their goals, be flexible thinkers, and regulate their feelings. Behavioral specialists call these skills executive functioning. By following the tips and skills in...

How Do Autistic Individuals Interact with the Criminal Justice System?

November 23, 2021

Across the United States, reports of autistic youth experiencing dangerous, life-altering and even fatal interactions with the criminal justice system are becoming more common. Research suggests that autistic individuals interact with police at high rates and individuals with disabilities disproportionately experience police violence.

A close-up of a yellow school bus, parked in front of tall plants and a bright blue sky.

Students With Special Needs Acutely Affected By Bus Driver Shortage

November 18, 2021

Octavian Lither is often left waiting at the bus stop each morning to be transported to his northwest Las Vegas middle school. More times than not, the bus is late. A few times, it arrived after school already started. But unlike the thousands of other Clark County School District students...

A person walks into a terminal. They wear a backpack and drag a rolling suitcase. The sun shines brightly.

The Travel Industry Is Waking Up to the Needs of Neurodivergent Adults

November 16, 2021

For many Americans, making vacation plans is somewhat easy and doesn’t require much thought beyond figuring out where and when to go. But for millions of neurodivergent travelers around the country, travel is anything but simple. Neurodivergent adults amount to more than 30 percent of the global population, up to 40 percent...