Organization for Autism Research (OAR)OAR was founded in December 2001 by seven individuals whose lives and families had been directly impacted by autism. They shared a common vision and set out on a singular mission – to apply science to answer the daily questions and challenges that autism presents to autistic individuals, their families, teachers, and caregivers.
There are many organizations dedicated to autism. What distinguishes OAR is our singular focus on applied research and the quality and practical value of our resource materials. The studies we fund and the information resources we provide have meaning in the day-to-day lives of autistic people and those who support them personally and professionally. Rather than fund research on what causes autism, we fund 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 our efforts, our ultimate focus is quality of life.