I will be running the 2023 NYC Marathon to raise money for the Organization for Autism Research. The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) was founded by families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each ASD diagnosis is unique to the individual and comes with its own trials and tribulations. OAR’s mission is to provide understanding and practical solutions to the specific challenges faced by children, adults, and families affected by ASD. OAR’s services extend to areas such as family support, scaffolded education, and self- reliance/advocacy.

Family Support
Family is at the heart of all that OAR hopes to accomplish. An autism diagnosis is a life-changing event for the diagnosee and their loved ones alike. This can sometimes lead to difficult questions. OAR offers resources to guide families through the diagnosis and make this a time of understanding and relief. Early identification and intervention are key to healthy development for those on the autism spectrum. Through informed action, treatments, and interventions tailored to match your child’s position on the spectrum, OAR assists families to enhance their child’s quality of life. OAR provides services to support families from the time of diagnosis, into adulthood, and beyond.

Scaffolded Education
School is critical for students to develop academic, communication, social, and life skills necessary for independence. All of us learn differently, and this is no different for individuals with exceptionalities.
OAR offers free resources and grant opportunities to educators to support students on the spectrum and foster a classroom culture of understanding. OAR also offers various grants and scholarships to scholars on the spectrum as they advance through high school and college.

Self-Reliance/Advocacy
Navigating high school, college, and the job market is an exciting yet challenging experience for anyone, including individuals with exceptionalities. OAR offers employment mentorship and resources to assist individuals on the autism spectrum through these stages. OAR also uses its resources to transition young adults into community living situations, granting them a greater level of autonomy. By meeting them where they are and supporting them to advocate for themselves, we can give our loved ones the tools they need to gain autonomy and live out their fullest potential.

I am fortunate enough to have had these resources to become a better advocate for my loved ones diagnosed with ASD. My nephews Jack and Declan serve as great examples of the uniqueness of each autism diagnosis, and what everyone is capable of when their needs are understood and met.

Jack is 13, verbal, and very social, though this was not always the case. Jack initially struggled with social interactions and communicating his feelings. After years of therapy and lessons, he is excelling in the general education classes at his grade school and is eager to continue this growth into high school.

Declan is 9, semi-verbal, and reserved yet affectionate. He is observant and has lots to say, but struggles with articulation when excited. Declan is working hard every day to improve his verbal processing and articulation to better convey his needs.

We cannot wait to see where these amazing boys will go!
Please consider donating to OAR and sharing this page with your family and friends to help those on the autism spectrum.

Thank you!


WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.


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.
$40,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.