Organization for Autism Research

08/26/2026

More autistic students may be on college campuses than previously estimated. New research estimates that 135,400 to 286,254 autistic students are enrolled as undergraduates in the U.S., three to five times more than researchers expected.

These findings highlight why colleges need to recognize autistic students as a significant part of their campus communities and plan accordingly.

Learn more about the research and what it could mean for higher education in this month's OARacle Newsletter: https://f.mtr.cool/lr08p307mf

08/24/2026

Getting ready for college is about more than choosing classes.

Building routines, learning about the supports available, and thinking through everyday campus life can all help make the transition feel more manageable.

OAR’s free Finding Your Way: A College Guide for Students on the Spectrum offers practical guidance to help autistic students prepare for college life with more confidence.

📣Current or former college students: What’s one thing you wish every incoming college student knew before their first semester?

Explore the guide: researchautism.org/product/finding-your-way-a-college-guide-for-students/

08/22/2026

Kendra Scott Gives Back this weekend!

Come see OAR at Kendra Scott in Tysons Corner Center and shop for a cause! Every purchase made during our Kendra Gives Back event helps support the Organization for Autism Research and the programs that empower autistic individuals and their families.

🛍️ In Store:
Saturday, August 22
10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Kendra Scott, Tysons Corner Center

💻 Can't make it? Shop online https://f.mtr.cool/diwsvqgfcr
August 22–24 using code GIVEBACK-MELPT.

08/21/2026

Help us welcome two new members to the OAR team!

Alex Michalchuk, Development Associate, brings experience in nonprofit outreach, volunteer engagement, and community support. At OAR, she helps strengthen relationships with donors and supports the day-to-day work that keeps our development efforts moving.

Cameron Gunter, Grants and Programs Associate, brings a background in education and a strong commitment to autism acceptance and inclusion. She supports OAR’s grants and programs, helps update our website, and contributes to the OARacle newsletter.

We’re so glad to have Alex and Cameron on the team and look forward to all they’ll bring to OAR.

Get to know them: https://f.mtr.cool/wbnilxkctn

08/20/2026

08/20/2026

What does it mean to be a good classmate?

As students head back to school, educators have an opportunity to help shape how they understand differences, build connections, and include one another.

OAR’s Kit for Kids gives K-8 educators free, age-appropriate resources to help start conversations about autism, acceptance, and friendship.

What is one quality you hope your students bring to their classroom community this year? Share it in the comments.

Explore Kit for Kids: https://f.mtr.cool/papqxmlvka

08/20/2026

Join OAR Board Members Cathy Schwallie Farmer, Ronda Peklar, and Chris DeMay on Thursday, September 10 from 6 to 9 PM PST for an exclusive cocktail fundraiser benefiting the Organization for Autism Research.

Enjoy cocktails, light fare, conversation, and an evening with fellow OAR supporters and OAR leadership.

Come connect, learn more about OAR’s impact, and help support our mission.
We hope to see you there!

08/18/2026

Autism educator training should do more than build awareness. It should give teachers the tools and confidence to create more inclusive classrooms.

Effective training helps educators know what to do in real situations, from supporting regulation and responding to challenging moments to answering student questions and addressing exclusion.

Drawing from their experience with the Spot the Spectrum program and their work at Loma Linda University, Shaina Casey and Niki Bahri share five ways schools can make autism training more practical, engaging, and actionable.

Swipe through the recommendations, then read the full blog for more practical tips: researchautism.org/blog/making-autism-educator-trainings-actually-work/

08/17/2026

Shop for a Cause with OAR! Join us for a Kendra Gives Back event and treat yourself while supporting autism research!

🛍️ In Store:
Saturday, August 22
10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Kendra Scott, Tysons Corner Center

💻 Can't make it? Shop online https://f.mtr.cool/qzfjftrdrk on August 22–24 using code GIVEBACK-MELPT.
✨ 20% of every qualifying purchase will benefit OAR's mission to fund autism research and provide free, evidence-based resources for autistic individuals and their families.

We can't wait to shop with you! 💎

08/13/2026

Supporting autistic students doesn’t always require a major classroom overhaul. Small changes in communication, routines, and the learning environment can make a meaningful difference.

Swipe through for 5 practical strategies from OAR’s Curriculum in a Box.

What strategies do you use in your classroom that we didn’t mention? Share them in the comments.

Want more ideas and evidence-based strategies? Explore OAR’s Curriculum in a Box for free training, educator guides, videos, and other resources: researchautism.org/educators/curriculum-in-a-box