News and Knowledge

The Benefits of a Professional Network

A professional relationship involves two or more people collaborating to achieve and support a common cause, mission, goal, company, or organization. It is often more formal than those outside the workplace. Some examples include connecting with one’s direct supervisor, co-workers, clients, and mentors. Building these valuable relationships is known as networking and, ultimately, forms one’s professional network.

As other professionals get to know you and your career goals, they can provide firsthand knowledge of job opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships available in your field of interest. They can also provide additional information, such as prospective roles and responsibilities and input on the more prominent organizations in your industry. This industry-specific knowledge can help you identify areas of growth and development and help you make career decisions.

Regularly engaging with your network can help you stay current in your industry, assess how to contribute more to the community, and learn which organizations share your vision and values.

Once you start building your professional brand, networking can lead to opportunities that will enable you to hone specific skills. For example, become known as someone who often engages in public speaking, and you may have professionals reach out to you on LinkedIn to offer you the opportunity to present at various events that align with your expertise. The more you take on new opportunities, the more you can learn what tasks you enjoy, what management style you thrive under, and what support or accommodations you might need moving forward.

Although networking may seem daunting, it can prove invaluable in the long run. It can open doors you might never have known existed, build long-lasting relationships, and allow you to gain visibility within your industry.

Where to Look for Your Network

You may be wondering, “Where do I begin?” or “How can I start creating professional relationships?”

A good place to start is with people already in your support network and with whom you have a close connection, such as professors and teachers, colleagues, co-workers, friends, and family. These are people who know you the best and have a deep understanding of the support, guidance, and mentorship you need.

You can also connect with industry leaders and professionals at career and resource events. These events are specifically designed to allow job seekers to ask questions and learn more about the different organizations. If you want to connect with the representative and learn more about an organization after an event, ask them for the best way to contact them. Many are happy to share their business cards or other ways to get in touch with them, which is beneficial to expanding your network and future opportunities.

Utilizing professional social media platforms like LinkedIn is a great way to network virtually with various employers, receive updates from individuals within your field, and find industry-related events to attend. You can use features like direct messages to interact with representatives and employees at prospective organizations and share your goals, aspirations, skills, talents, experiences, and abilities with them.

Once you understand who is in your network currently and who you may want to be in the future, you can start taking steps toward engaging with your connections and showcasing your skills.

Building and Maintaining a Strong Network

To clarify why you want to network, ask yourself, “What is my purpose for networking? What do I hope to achieve?”

Use the answers to these questions to create a list of your overall goals. Setting goals can help you use your time, energy, and resources wisely. Another benefit to setting goals is creating your own timeline and breaking the larger networking task into smaller pieces to make it more manageable.

It can often be helpful to create a compelling 30-to-60-second elevator pitch to introduce yourself to other professionals and market your strengths, abilities, experience, and background. This can be useful in a handful of situations, such as networking events, job/career fairs, or even on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. Company representatives only have a limited amount of time and often have many people approaching them, meaning a short elevator pitch could help to make a lasting impression.

An example of an elevator pitch could be, “Hello, my name is [your name], it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m a [insert current role] and have been working in [insert field] for the past [insert number] years. I’ve accomplished [insert achievement(s)]. Your work with [insert company] is inspiring, and I am interested in connecting to learn more about what you and your company do.”

Keeping in touch can be vastly beneficial once you have started forming new connections, even if it does not amount to a job. Celebrating milestones, acknowledging achievements, or simply checking in personally can show that you care about the people in your network. Maintaining this regular contact with your network fosters rapport, which leads to invaluable mentorship, recommendation letters, or job opportunities in the future.

Once you establish a strong relationship with professionals in your industry, this is a good time to set up an information interview, get their feedback on your current resume and job search documents, and discuss your career aspirations. Their experience is a direct way for you to gain more knowledge of the tasks and expectations of an employee within their industry.

Networking is an invaluable skill that can greatly help in your job search. If you put in the work, your connections can bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and understanding of the industry or position you are applying for.

Resources

• Professional Relationships: Types and Tips
• 7 Tips for Building a Strong Professional Network
• Professional Networking: What It Is and How To Master It
• Why You Need to Expand Your Professional Network
• What is Professional Networking, and Why is it Important?
• Keeping in Touch: The key to maintaining connections
• Learning LinkedIn
• Sign up to join LinkedIn

On Sunday October 13th, 132 OAR athletes took on the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, running 26.2 miles through the windy city to support autism research. Collectively, they’ve raised over $187,000.

Each runner joined the team with a different story; many ran because of a personal connection to autism. “I chose this charity because my son Jax, who is now 7, is non-verbal autistic,” said first-time OAR runner Anna Golebiowski. “Spreading awareness to others about autism and helping families with children with autism find resources has always been my main goal.”

By 5:30 am on race morning, the team headquarters at the Blackstone hotel near the start line was already bustling with runners in teal and orange OAR gear getting ready to take on the challenge of 26.2. Soon, they were headed through Chicago, touring 29 neighborhoods on foot while being cheered on by over 1.7 million spectators. Family and friends joined the RUN staff at Charity Block party, a charity cheer zone just past the halfway point of the race, giving runners an extra boost for the second half of their race.

The windy city lived up to its name, and by mid-afternoon, runners were fighting gusty headwinds as they ran the last few miles back into Chicago to the finish line in Grant Park. Despite this, OAR runners had a successful race. “My race went very well. I even got a PR [Personal Record] by 37 minutes compared to the year before!” said Anna. OAR’s first runner to cross the finish line, Joost Spits, completed the course in 2 hours 59 minutes, averaging a 6-minute 50-second pace per mile.  For other runners, the wind and sun combined to create less-than-ideal conditions, making race day a little more challenging. “This year I tested my mental toughness as this was my toughest race yet,” Libby Fink said. This race was Libby’s 10^th Chicago Marathon, all with OAR. “I remembered why I continue to do this year after year. It is for my kids and others who have been impacted by autism. I remember all the hard things my kids have overcome and how they continue to go on and accomplish their goals by working hard. This motivates me to continue to be a good person and work hard in all I do,” she said.

Despite the on-course challenges, runners were all smiles when they arrived back at the team headquarters at the Blackstone hotel throughout the afternoon. They were cheered on as they arrived to meet friends and family, get some food, and get a post-race sports massage. “The massage helped so much!” Anna said. Both Anna and Libby are looking forward to next year’s race, after some well-deserved recovery time!  RUN and OAR are incredibly proud of this year’s team and all their fundraising and running efforts.

 

 

In the ever-evolving world of nutrition and well-being, some brands stand out for their commitment to making a difference. RxSugar is one such brand, now partnering with the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) to enhance health, inclusivity, and the lives of all those in the autism community.

Founded with a clear and powerful mission, RxSugar seeks to tackle the global health crisis caused by traditional sugar consumption. Diet-related diseases like diabetes and obesity are leading causes of death and negatively impact quality of life worldwide. In response, RxSugar takes a fresh approach by being a health company disguised as a food company. According to Alexi Melvin, RxSugar’s Chief Alliances Officer, “Traditional sugar fuels diet-related disease, the leading cause of death, suffering, and healthcare costs. We must solve for sugar!” RxSugar’s core values revolve around promoting health and wellness with an all-natural sugar alternative that not only tastes great but also benefits those with various health concerns. This unique positioning sets RxSugar apart from its competitors, emphasizing a commitment to health and community well-being.

This commitment to community engagement is fueled by a desire to enhance health and wellness on a broader scale. By engaging in community initiatives and partnering with nonprofit organizations, RxSugar aims to raise awareness about the risks of traditional sugar and support those impacted by diet-related diseases. “Our commitment extends beyond our products,” says Alexi. “We believe in making a difference through education, research, and community support.”

RxSugar’s support for OAR was inspired by a shared vision of improving quality of life and health outcomes. Recognizing that autistic individuals often have unique dietary needs, RxSugar saw an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. “Supporting autism research aligns perfectly with our mission to promote health and well-being,” Alexi notes. “By supporting OAR, we can contribute to research and initiatives that directly benefit the autism community.”

Rachel Luizza, OAR’s Director of Development and Marketing, shares Alexi’s enthusiasm for this collaboration. “Having RxSugar’s support is incredibly meaningful to us. Their focus on health and inclusivity complements our mission, helping us to push forward with our important work in autism research and resource development.”

RxSugar’s support for OAR is a testament to the power of collaboration to drive positive change. By joining forces, both organizations aim to improve health and well-being, not only for autistic individuals but for all. As Rachel aptly puts it, “Together, we are creating a sweeter, healthier future for everyone.”

 

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About the Organization for Autism Research:

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.

About RxSugar:

RxSugar was founded with the mission to address the global health crisis caused by traditional sugar consumption. Recognizing that diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are among the leading causes of death and suffering, RxSugar positioned itself as a health company under the guise of a food company. The core values of RxSugar revolve around promoting health and wellness by offering an all-natural sugar that does not compromise taste but significantly benefits individuals with health issues of all kinds. Learn more at www.rxsugar.com.

For information about OAR partnership, visit our partnership page.

“Are you sure he has autism?” The one sentence I am sure every parent to a child with Level-1 Autism is sick of hearing. From the dentist to his speech therapy evaluation, my son has been observed and his diagnosis has been questioned. In those times, it makes me want to ask, “Would you like to come home with us and wait until something doesn’t go the way he planned, or watch him stim over and over while he is playing?” I see the skepticism on their faces as they watch for a sign to jump out. The reality for autistic individuals with low support needs is fighting autism from both sides. You aren’t quite regulated enough to be considered neurotypical, or “normal,” yet you don’t fit the stereotypical mold that many people consider as autistic.  

My son was 4 when he was diagnosed, but we spent the two years prior going back and forth on whether we should have him evaluated. Even his pediatrician was unconvinced he needed a formal evaluation. We assumed his symptoms were because of a speech delay. His older sister has Complex Motor Stereotypies but is otherwise neurotypical, so we attributed his stims to stereotypies. Some days he seemed neurotypical, and the next was such a difficult day that I was crying to my husband, saying, “Something is going on.” He flew under the radar. It wasn’t until my husband and I watched Love on the Spectrum that we realized the spectrum is incredibly vast and that autism presents in many ways. Yep. We learned about autism from a TV show. When we saw our son’s traits in some of the cast members of Love on the Spectrum, we decided to move forward with a formal evaluation from a Developmental Pediatrician.  

My husband and I had general anxiety going into that day, but our son loved going to the doctor’s office, so we weren’t anxious about his behavior. However, this office was new, so he was dysregulated.  By the time the Developmental Pediatrician entered the room, our son was under the table, saying, “Okay, time to go!” With some coaxing and Legos, he finally climbed out from under the table and was calm enough that my husband and I could talk with the physician. With each question, I could hear the optimism leaving her voice. She told us she normally schedules another appointment for the diagnosis, but that she felt comfortable giving his Level-1 Autism diagnosis now.  

I felt ambivalent feelings; so relieved that we had answers, that he wasn’t just a “bad” kid. Yet I also felt incredibly sad for him and his unknown future. Will he ever be able to hold a full conversation with me? Will he struggle with learning? Will he ride a bike? Will he be able to go to college? Fall in love? Have children? All of those thoughts and questions swarmed my mind, so much that I was having a difficult time hearing what the doctor was saying to me. My husband took our son back to the car while I received a resource packet. I remember her asking me if I had any questions and, of course, all helpful questions left my brain. All I could hear was that my son had autism. I choked up and said, “I am just sad.” I will never forget her response to me: “Hey, the sky is the limit for him.” 

In a way, I feel like she is right. There’s a ton of resources out there. Unfortunately, we lived in a rural area when receiving his diagnosis. We had no access to ABA, and there was one speech therapist in the next town over who was not a good fit. That’s when my husband and I decided we had to move to a bigger city with more access to care.  

On the other hand, how is the sky the limit when so many people are ignorant of his diagnosis? I am not judging; I learned about his diagnosis from a Netflix show. However, it worries me he won’t be seen as someone who needs help. As if autism has a “look.” I think the world is moving in the right direction, yet there’s a lack of understanding (and resources in rural towns), which is leading to the abandonment of autistic individuals with low support needs.  

Shows like Love on the Spectrum and Atypical on Netflix, and Hero Elementary on PBS are bringing awareness to the strengths and challenges of autistic individuals, but we need more. People need to understand that you don’t have to be nonspeaking to be autistic. You can make eye contact or be affectionate and still be on the spectrum. You don’t have to be Einstein-level intelligence, nor do you have to like trains. Until then, people will slip through the cracks. The parents of these children will approach their behavior just as I did: like a behavioral problem that needs to be punished. Yet no amount of punishment will help an autistic person.  It will only leave them feeling more confused and hurt. They won’t understand why they behave so differently, nor will they receive therapy services that could be pivotal. 

Our family had to relocate for my husband’s career, and while the move has brought some behavioral challenges, my son is thriving. He is attending speech therapy at a practice that also serves as a training site for the Paralympics. He looks forward to going every week and is learning so much. He loves our local zoo which happens to have his favorite animal: sharks! My piece of advice for parents/caretakers: at times you are the only person who is advocating for your child. Keep pushing. If you are dealing with someone who doesn’t believe your child’s diagnosis, let them. It is not our job to convince others. People are finally talking about their challenges and experiences with neurodiversity. So hopefully, with time, everyone will have a better understanding of autism.  

With love and empathy, 

Shelby 

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Shelby is a dedicated mother of three, balancing the demands of motherhood and homeschooling with her role as a supportive wife to a medical resident. She has recently relocated to the Midwest and has embraced the new challenges and opportunities that come with this change. As a mother to a son with autism, Shelby is committed to learning more about neurodiversity. Shelby is continuing her own personal growth by attending online college to further her education. When she finds time to relax, she likes to cuddle up with a warm, fuzzy blanket and read a book or binge-watch a series. 

“Love on the Spectrum U.S.” won two Emmys at the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards in September. Northern Pictures, the Australian company that produces both the Australian and U.S. shows, won for outstanding casting for a reality program and another for outstanding director for a reality program. Three cast members of the U.S. show’s first season, Dani Bowman, Abbey Romeo, and David Isaacman, were presenters.

In an article on the Variety Australia website, co-creators Karina Holden and Cian O’Clery said that they created the series with “the idea of love and belonging being something everyone deserves.” They also credited the cast, noting that they are all “so open, honest, and real, they are the reason we are being recognized with these awards.”

Romeo, Bowman, and Issacman presented two awards for lighting and attended an Emmy Awards afterparty. Bowman later posted photos on Instagram, writing that it was “so amazing to get together with my LOTS family again…Eternally grateful for the opportunities that the LOTS crew show and @Netflix has given me, by showcasing how we on the spectrum are all very different, but not so different after all! We all want the same thing as you… LOVE!”

The recent awards bring the total number of Emmys to five for “Love on the Spectrum U.S.,” after the program won three in 2022. The show is also due to appear on Netflix for its third season, according to a Disability Scoop article, after the second season ranked among the top 10 shows globally for three weeks.

You can watch an edited broadcast of the Emmy Awards on Hulu through Oct. 9.

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Sherri Alms is the freelance editor of The OARacle, a role she took on in 2007. She has been a freelance writer and editor for more than 20 years.

OAR is excited to welcome the newest Hire Autism navigators, Kurt Campanile, Kuljit Singh, Jacqueline Olsen, Jennifer Yamout, and Biljana Simakoska. They are all from the New Jersey office of Clyde & Co., a global law firm committed to pro bono and social impact volunteering opportunities. As navigators, these dedicated individuals will support autistic job seekers in refining resumes, crafting compelling cover letters, honing interview skills, and building confidence.

Brandon, a recent job seeker, said this about working with a navigator: “Working with Hire Autism has been a transformative journey for me. My navigator’s patience and dedication were instrumental in helping me explore and understand my professional identity. Today, I am more confident in my interviewing skills than ever before. Thank you, Hire Autism, for your unwavering support.”

Is your company interested in volunteering and mentoring autistic job seekers? If so, reach out to Hire Autism to inquire about a group training.

Contact the Hire Autism team at mail@hireautism.org or submit your application to become a Hire Autism navigator.

RUN FOR AUTISM runner Joseph Carrasquillo completed a personal challenge in September, running a 100-mile race to raise awareness of autism on behalf of his son, Jacob, who was diagnosed with autism nine years ago.

“Jacob had a wonderful neuropsychologist at the time who brought it to our attention that he had tremendous potential but would ultimately need more care and support moving forward. During this time, my wife and I struggled for answers on how to further help our son as, within our own network of support, there was little to no awareness.” Carrasquillo said. He and his wife, Aisha Carrasquillo, decided Joseph would stay home with Jacob as his care provider, including taking him to appointments and helping with school functions.

“It would prove to be the right decision and began our family on this amazing journey that we would never have thought possible otherwise. Since that time, we have met so many supportive people in the autism community who have given us great examples from their own personal experiences on how to better support our son,” Carasquillo told OAR. He noted that Jacob has continued his tremendous growth socially and academically. “He is a member of the MENSA High IQ society, has thrived in school academically, routinely making the principal’s list in middle school, and this past summer he was invited to attend ENVISION Youth Leadership STEM Program, all while being proficient in playing the violin and also taking part in several New York Road Runner Youth Races.”

Carasquillo began thinking about taking on a 100-mile race when he started running three years ago. “I initially began running in pursuit of feeling better about myself and also my own personal dream of running in the New York City Marathon,” he said. In those three years, Carasquillo ran over 20 races, including the NYC Marathon and three other marathons, a 50K, a 50-mile race, and now a 100-mile race.

“When my son was initially diagnosed, there was little to no forms of information and awareness, and oftentimes, this created a sense of helplessness. During this time, I began to assist and advocate for other parents who were sharing similar experiences and realized that I wanted to create different avenues of funding for autism research.” So Carasquillo took on his 100-mile race with RUN FOR AUTISM to raise funds for OAR. “I felt that, while the idea of completing a 100-mile run was daunting, running for a cause such as this one would inspire me to give it my best.” During training, Carasquillo also pursued several certifications as a personal trainer to gain new knowledge and strategies for his race while helping others with similar goals.

“This [race] was more of a mental grind than in my past events, as not only was the amount of time on my feet a challenge, but I also sustained an injury to my left ankle that put me in excruciating pain after about mile 57. And although it wasn’t the fastest finish, I was still able to stay focused, inspired, persevere, and finish.”

Now that he has recovered, Carasquillo is considering a race in France or Italy with Aisha and Jacob. “I thought it would be awesome to do this with our son Jacob as he is looking forward to being a part of the fundraiser and running in a youth race.”

OAR recently awarded $78,918 to support 17 projects led by the fall 2024 winners of the Peer Education Grant program. In total, OAR has awarded $107,497 for 27 projects in 2024. With these grants, OAR has helped educate over 237,000 children through the Kit for Kids program since 2012.

Launched in 2012, the program supports projects that promote autism awareness and acceptance among nonprofits, communities, libraries, and K-12 public schools using OAR’s peer education resources.

OAR expanded this year’s peer education grant funding with the support of Jewelers for Children, a nonprofit founded by the U.S. jewelry industry dedicated to helping children in need. In 2024, Jewelers for Children donated $100,000 to support OAR’s programs, including the peer education program. With this generous donation, OAR expanded the program’s fall round to include larger grants focused on peer education across school districts.

“Jewelers for Children is thrilled to increase our support for the Organization for Autism Research so that they can continue to support the community of educators making sure that kids on the spectrum are getting what they need to thrive,” said Sara Murphy, Jewelers for Children’s executive director. Since 2018, the nonprofit has donated $395,000 to OAR to benefit autistic children.

Congratulations to the grant recipients!

Grady Bailey
Be Aware, Show You Care!
Van Buren School District, Van Buren, Arkansas                                     
Bailey will use the Kit for Kids materials to reach students in grades K-6 and teach them about autism awareness. Bailey hopes that through teaching these materials in the classroom, students will become more knowledgeable about their autistic peers and learn how to respectfully ask questions to better understand autistic people.

Garv Bakshe
Lincolnshire Autism Awareness Project
Lincolnshire Autism Awareness Project, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 
The Lincolnshire Autism Awareness Project team will use the peer education materials to teach middle school students about autism while fostering kindness toward and acceptance of all neurodiverse people. The team hopes this initiative will help the students develop into empathetic and accepting adults.

AnnMarie Bates
Increasing Autism Acceptance in Shepherd Public Schools
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
For the fourth time, Bates and the Central Michigan University team will use the Kit for Kids materials to increase autism acceptance in local schools. This year, Bates and her team members will include the Autism Tuned In program in their lesson plans to deepen students’ understanding of autism acceptance. Bates hopes to expand into the greater Mount Pleasant area to increase autism acceptance.

Bonnie Buckelew
Creating Change Through Awareness
Jackson Parish School Board, Jonesboro, Louisiana
Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School serves students in preschool through fifth grade. Buckelew and the staff plan to use peer education materials and funds to empower the students to be kind, see value in differences, and work together as a team. These materials will continue the school’s mission of using a whole-child approach to ensure all students can reach their full potential.

Leah Carbone
Inclusion Program Special Weekend Meet-Up and Play Date
MAEVE Burbank, Burbank, California
Carbone and other staff members at MAEVE Burbank plan to use the Kit for Kids materials to continue to empower those they serve. Primarily serving “all who mother in support of one another and their communities,” this organization will engage both neurodivergent and neurotypical children in the local community to teach them how to be inclusive by educating them about autism awareness.

Sarah Chapman
MOORE Autism Acceptance
Moore County Schools, Carthage, North Carolina
Chapman will lead a training for staff at Moore County Schools to show them how to incorporate Kit for Kids materials into the current curriculum. Teachers will use the materials to help students understand how to better understand and work with each other inside and outside the classroom. Chapman will also use some of the funding to host a parent night where students will demonstrate what they have learned about inclusivity and autism acceptance.

Sandra Doucett
Shake-A-Leg Miami Peers on Piers
Shake-A-Leg Miami, Florida 
Doucett and Shake-A-Leg Miami plan to use the Kit for Kids materials in their programming, which provides access to the physical and mental health benefits of Miami’s environment. Offered to people with and without disabilities, the program will help foster belonging, inclusion, and respect and provide a fun, safe, and educational environment for children of all means and abilities.

Anarosa Durate and Karen Ponce
Clifton Public School District Autism Acceptance Initiative
Clifton Public School District, Clifton, New Jersey
This initiative will serve a diverse population of K-8 students. As a first step, educators and facilitators will receive specialized training to deliver the Kit for Kids materials. After that training, Ponce and district faculty will teach the material throughout the district to empower students with empathy and teach about autism awareness.

Nick Indoma
Radically Inclusive: A School-wide Autism Awareness Program
Kyrene School District, Chandler, Arizona
Indoma will lead this program to promote autism awareness and acceptance throughout the Kyrene School District. The materials and grant funds will support professional development for staff and educators and an autism awareness campaign for students, families, and the community.

Michele Maloney
Best Buddies
Bilbray Elementary, Las Vegas, NV
Bilbray Elementary, a public pre-K to 5^th-grade school, will use the Kit for Kids materials as part of its Best Buddies program. This program pairs students with and without disabilities during the school year, with each month focusing on different ways to facilitate genuine friendships and encouragement—furthering the promotion of acceptance of students of all abilities.

Brittany Mason
Autism Acceptance Project
Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, Kentucky
Jefferson County Public School District includes 168 schools serving over 95,000 students. With the Kit for Kids materials, Mason will lead schools in providing resources, foundational knowledge, and training to teachers, staff, and students for the promotion of neuroinclusion across all of their elementary schools.

Constance McCarty
Accept, Advocate, Appreciate!
Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, New Orleans, Louisiana
McCarty and the faculty at Bethune will serve pre-K to 8^th-grade students by fostering an inclusive environment for all students. Students will participate in multiple activities centering on autism throughout the year. Each initiative will incorporate the Kit for Kids materials to promote understanding, acceptance, and celebration of diversity.

Kaitlyn McCord
Kochavim After School
Kings Bay YM-YWHA, Brooklyn, New York
McCord will use the materials and funds from the Peer Education grant within the Kings Bay YM-YWHA program. This program fosters an environment of understanding, acceptance, and support for all children, including those with autism. With the Kits for Kids materials, staff members will continue to create a community where every child feels valued and empowered, paving the way for a more inclusive society.

Thomas Reed and Eric Floyd
HeroicOhio Peer Education (HOPE) Project
Lawrence County Educational Service Center, Ironton, Ohio
The Lawrence County Educational Service Center will leverage the power and promise of game-based learning to deliver the Kits for Kids content through Heroic Game Day, the world’s only student-driven, online skills-learning platform. In doing so, the team will raise awareness of autism in grades 3 to 5 and build students’ skills to be supportive and inclusive peers in a fun, safe, “kids first” way.

Bryan Rivera
What Makes You Special, Makes You Unique
Naranjito, Puerto Rico
Rivera created the bCalm Project to encourage inclusivity in Puerto Rico. By using the Kit for Kids educational resources, Rivera and his team will promote understanding, acceptance, and empathy toward students with autism. The goal will be to ensure that every student with autism feels valued and supported, fostering a culture that celebrates everyone’s unique strengths.

Jenny Underwood
Branch Out! Peer Mentor Training
Branches ABA Outreach, Montgomery, Alabama
Branches ABA Outreach strives to meet the needs of individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities by building relationships, addressing needs, and creating hope through education and support. With the help of OAR’s peer education materials, the staff will train peer mentors and equip them to be better supporters and advocates for their friends with autism during social skills groups and social enrichment activities at their schools and in their communities.

Christina Veatch
Monte Vista: All Means All!
Monte Vista Elementary School, Rohnert Park, California
As part of the school’s mission to foster an inclusive environment for everyone, Monte Vista will be using OAR materials across grade levels on their general education campus to enhance understanding of neurodiversity and promote meaningful relationships among all students on campus.

Interested? Submit an Application Today!

If you are working on or are interested in creating a project that promotes autism awareness and acceptance in grades K-8 using the Kit for Kids program materials, this program is for you! The application period for the spring of 2025 is open now for projects starting as early as April 1, 2025. OAR will award grants of up to $10,000 for school district-wide projects only. All other grants will range from $500 to $5,000.

For questions and comments, contact the Programs team at programs@researchautism.org.

OAR has released a new collection of books about autism for kids and teens on the OverDrive Libby app, thanks to generous funding provided by Jewelers for Children. It is OAR’s goal to help autistic children process their autism identity and help non-autistic children, including siblings, understand and embrace autistic differences through evocative storytelling and vivid illustrations.

Any child, parent, teacher, or direct service provider can access the digital library at no cost by registering a library account. The collection of ebooks and audiobooks includes more than 120 titles that help children, from early readers to teenagers, learn more about autism. The books include a range of fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels, as well as autobiographies and more.

“Part of our mission has always been to increase information access to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status,” said Kimberly Ha, senior director of research and programs. “We are thankful to Jewelers for Children for their support, and proud to deliver these resources to the community.”

In 2024, Jewelers for Children donated $100,000 to support OAR’s programs, including the OverDrive Libby library. Since 2018, Jewelers for Children has donated $395,000 to OAR to benefit autistic children. The nonprofit was founded by the U.S. jewelry industry to help children in need.

OAR partners with school districts, autism organizations, and direct service providers to increase community-wide impact. If you are interested in exploring a partnership with OAR, please contact us.