Press Release

ARLINGTON, VA, April 17, 2025 – In celebration of April Month of the Military Child, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is proud to announce the recipients of the Operation Autism grant. These awards recognize and fund support groups that are making a difference in the lives of military families impacted by autism.

Each award recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting military families and ensuring that their programs are accessible, inclusive, and tailored to autism-specific needs. In total, OAR is awarding $5,490 to three projects that aim to serve 105 support group participants.

Congratulations to the three Operation Autism grant winners!

Callie Walling, Community Director, Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
ASGP’s Military Families Navigating Autism Support Group

This support group will offer four targeted sessions to help military families navigate autism-related challenges such as accessing care, coping with relocations, and advocating in education systems. By fostering peer connection and sharing practical tools, the group aims to reduce isolation and build a lasting, supportive community for caregivers and their children.

Michelle Norman, Executive Director, Partners in PROMISE, Virginia Beach, VA
Partners in PROMISE Special Needs Binder Workshop for Military Families – Autism-Specific

Partners in PROMISE will host a virtual workshop with follow-up breakout sessions designed to equip military families with autism-specific special education advocacy tools, including a digital binder and expert-led guidance on navigating IEPs, PCS transitions, and federal education laws. Through interactive presentations and small-group discussions, the workshop aims to empower caregivers with practical strategies and meaningful peer connections to help them better advocate for their children’s educational needs.

Shelby DiPilla, President, Akilli’s House, Ozaek, AL
Wiregrass Autism Group

Akilli’s House will offer a support group for military families near Fort Novosel, combining educational sessions with guided community outings to help families access local resources and connect with peers in autism-friendly environments. Guest speakers will cover topics such as safety, IEPs, and school accommodations, providing practical tools and hands-on support tailored to the unique needs of military-connected children with autism.

“Military families impacted by autism face a unique set of challenges that require understanding, support, and community,” says Kristen Essex, executive director of OAR. “These projects reflect OAR’s commitment to honoring and uplifting military families, and we are proud to support them.”

This Month of the Military Child, OAR celebrates the strength and resilience of military-connected children with autism and their families. We honor their stories and thank the dedicated professionals who have taken on OAR’s mission to serve them.

Since 2010, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has helped thousands of families navigate military life and the unique challenges that come with it, from extended family separation to frequent moves and specialized healthcare. As part of its continued commitment to military families navigating autism, OAR launched the Operation Autism grant in November 2024. The grant program funds support groups that aim to foster connection, provide resources, and promote inclusion among military families impacted by autism. OAR is grateful to JG Petrucci Co., Inc., for its generous support to make these grants possible.

For questions or comments, please contact Kimberly Ha, senior director of research and programs.

About OAR. The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a national non-profit organization formed and led by relatives of children and adults with autism. OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions. Learn more at www.researchautism.org.