Organization for Autism Research

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) was created in December 2001 to apply research to the challenges of autism. OAR's defines applied research as research that directly impacts the day-to-day quality of life of learners with autism. It entails the systematic investigation of variables associated with positive outcomes in such areas as education, communication, self care, social skills, employment, behavior, and adult and community living. OAR funds pilot studies and targeted research within specific modalities and issues affecting the autism community, primarily for studies whose outcomes offer new insights into the behavioral and social development of individuals with autism with an emphasis on communications, education, and vocational challenges. OAR's programs revolve around funding new research and disseminating evidence-based information.

OAR was founded in December 2001 by seven individuals whose lives and families had been impacted by

Goal One: Improve employment opportunities for autistic people. Current estimates say that up to 80% of eligible autistic individuals are un- or under-employed. Our Hire Autism program is changing that.

Goal Two: Plant the seeds of life-long friendship. Continue to develop programs to educate typical peers about autism and their autistic peers through our Kit for Kids program and Friendship initiative.

Goal Three: Apply research and scientific examination to the challenges of autism in the home, schools, community, and workplace in pursuit of the most positive life outcomes for autistic persons of all ages.

Our leadership development efforts focus on the staff. In the last 18 months: We discuss professional development with each staff member during annual reviews. It helps gauge their interests and aspirations and match them with OAR's goals. We have had had the staff report during three Scientific Council and Board meetings. Previously they provided input to the Executive Director's report. Have them report directly gave them the experience of presenting at higher levels and strengthened connections between the Board and staff. For individual development, one person earned a Certificate in Project Management from Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies , a goal she had shared during annual reviews. OAR's Deputy Executive Director attended a state-of-the-art fundraising conference that gave her access to information useful to her role with OAR. Another employee attended the Peer to Peer Fundraising conference in Atlanta to help prepare him or a larger fundraising role.

COVID sigificantly impacted OAR’s operations, some of the ongoing research, and fundraising. Like businesses across the U.S., OAR went to remote work in March 2020. We returned in June 2021 adopting a hybrid schedule until Omicron forced us back to remote work in January 2022. In March 2022, we returned to the hybrid schedule. The staff has done an excellent job of adapting and keeping programs and activities on schedule. Research studies often require the participation of autistic children and adults. Due to COVID restrictions, several OAR researchers could not access their intended participants, and had to extend or moved to a virtual format. OAR has approved those extensions and changes. COVID led to the cancellation of the Chairman’s Dinner, which raises $150,000 annually. It impacted the RUN FOR AUTISM program even more with the cancellation of six major events, including the London, Chicago, New York City and Marine Corps Marathons in 2020. The leadership team held monthly meetings to monitor finances, business operations, and the longer-term implications on OAR’s programs and operations. They identified a shortfall of almost $350,000 for the fiscal year (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021). The Board responded first. After a series of calls and briefings on OAR’s projected financial status, the Board members collectively pledged $92,000 as a Matching Challenge for the end-of-year campaign. Even with that pledge, OAR still faced difficult decisions. We cut two studies from the research plan for 2021, which combined with a revised grant payment schedule reduced the projected deficit by $110,000 more. With the RUN FOR AUTISM program effectively shut down, OAR adapted by converting its local 5K race to a virtual, national event, tripling the original fundraising goal. OAR repeated that success in 2021. We also introduced an Endurance Challenge to engage runners whose races were cancelled and offer an alternative for the everyday walker and runner.