The Organization for Autism Research was founded in 2001 by seven individuals whose lives and families had been directly impacted by autism. Rather than fund research on what causes autism, OAR funds studies on topics of more everyday relevance such as education, parent and teacher training, communication, self-care, social skills, employment, behavior, and adult and community issues. In all their efforts, the ultimate focus is quality of life.
 
My youngest brother, Paul, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 years old, he is now 19. This diagnosis changed my families lives for the better. I am excited to run this marathon in honor of my brother and all the individuals and families directly impacted by Autism.

Here are some of the ways that OAR uses the funds raised by the RUN FOR AUTISM team:

$10 provides a Curriculum in a Box professional development set to general education teachers.
$25 provides 15 copies of A Guide to Safety to families and first responders.
$100 provides the Kit for Kids peer education resource to an entire elementary or middle school.
$150 provides 100 copies of a Life Journey through Autism guidebook sent to a community support group or military installation.
$1,000 provides a research grant for a graduate student studying autism.
$3,000 provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college.
$50,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.