ORGANIZATION FOR AUTISM RESEARCH INC

OAR's Mission: To apply research to the challenges of autism.OAR's focus and commitment is to research that illuminates the challenges faced by those living with autism. OAR funds studies that examine the efficacy of current treatments and methodologies, and explore new avenues using proven scientific methods. Through carefully designed studies and programs, OAR ultimately provides information that guides parents, families, and professionals in decisions concerning treatments, education, employment, and life care. OAR calls it "Practical research for those living with autism"--using discoveries through applied autism research to enhance and maximize life's opportunities for those living with autism.Recognizing that autism is a lifelong disorder and that people with autism will spend most of their lives as adults, OAR has crafted a research strategy that considers the total population. By focusing on five principal areas: diagnosis, treatment, education, work, and housing, this approach supports the conventional wisdom vis-a-vis the importance of early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment and recognizes the critical role of education, work and housing relative to life's prospects for adults with autism.In pursuit of this mission, OAR:- Funds pilot studies that explore issues in autism or offer to enhance current knowledge in a significant manner.- Commissions directed studies in areas of high interest to the autism community.- Communicates the "State of the Science" to OAR's constituents and the autism community. Vision: To become the leader in using sound, science-based research to provide answers, practical alternatives, and solutions to the autism community. OAR will attain this vision by: - Executing a research plan that considers the state of the science in autism and the information needs of parents, educators, and professionals serving the autism community.- Maintaining a cross-disciplinary Scientific Council comprised of leading authorities in autism research. - Building alliances with professional associations of clinicians, educators, special educators, pediatricians, and other caregivers. - Collaborating with existing organizations on areas of common research interest.- Developing awareness through business partnerships with corporations supportive of disabled populations. OAR's programs include targeted research studies and as well as an open research competition, ad hoc studies, an Autism Information Program built around the website, and publications "A Parent's Guide to Research," "An Educator's Guide to Autism," "An Educator's Guide to Asperger Syndrome," and "A Guide for Transition to Adulthood."OAR seeks broad-based support for its autism research programs across America and internationally through alliances with other autism organizations and its own network of volunteers.OAR raises funds through multiple means including gifts from its Board of Directors and friends of OAR, contributions from the general public, the annual RUN FOR AUTISM held in conjunction with the Marine Corps Marathon, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and Houston Marathon, grassroots special events across the U.S., web-based donations, and both operating and research grants from foundations and corporations.