What Organization for Autism Research does

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, that exists to fund and disseminate applied autism research directly improving the day-to-day quality of life of autistic individuals and their families. Its core programs fall into three buckets: (i) research funding through the Applied Research Grant (launched 2002) and Graduate Research Grant (launched 2004), with over $5.8M cumulatively awarded; (ii) postsecondary scholarships for autistic students including the Schwallie Family Scholarship, Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship, Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color, and Synchrony Tech Scholarship, totaling over $2M to 690 students since 2007; and (iii) free resource distribution (40+ guidebooks, toolkits, and curricula) covering diagnosis through adulthood, including Healthcare Toolkit (2025), Operation Autism for military families (2009), Kit for Kids peer education (290,000+ students reached), Sex Ed for Self-Advocates, and the Libby Library launched in 2024. OAR also operates Hire Autism, an employment program enrolling 8,900+ autistic job seekers, and raises funds through RUN FOR AUTISM endurance events and annual fundraisers. OAR's technology stack is conventional nonprofit infrastructure (WordPress site, Neon CRM, Libby app partnership) with no proprietary products, APIs, or AI/ML systems; the organization partners with external grantees (Boston Medical Center, Boston University, AIR-P, nonPareil Institute, All Brains Belong VT) to produce specialized resources.

OAR serves four primary segments: families of autistic individuals (parents, caregivers, military families, Spanish-speaking families), autistic self-advocates (teens and adults seeking education, employment, healthcare, and relationship resources), educators (teachers and community educators), and autism researchers. All resources are provided free of charge, positioning OAR as a content-and-grant intermediary rather than a vendor. Revenue derives entirely from donations and event-based fundraising; no commercial product is sold. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, with a Self-Advocate Advisory Council, Scientific Council, and a small staff of 11-50 employees. Notable corporate support includes a $200,000, two-year Synchrony pledge for scholarships (2022) and event sponsorship from Blick Art Materials for the annual Youth Art Contest.

OAR's distribution is global via its website and the Libby app, with operational fundraising concentrated in the United States (the 2026 Active for Autism 5K drew 550 participants across 19 states plus D.C., raising $60,000+). Strategic positioning centers on applied, practice-ready research output, community-led resource development through the Community Grant Competition launched in 2022, and ecosystem partnerships that translate funded research into practical guides, toolkits, and VR experiences such as Appointment Mentor VR.

Name

Organization for Autism Research

Legal name

Organization for Autism Research

Website

https://researchautism.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Organization for Autism Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, that funds applied autism research and distributes free evidence-based guidebooks, scholarships, peer-education programs, and employment support to autistic individuals, families, educators, and researchers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Autism Research and Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (6117), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Assistive Technology & Learning Tools (Educational) (EDAKAKAM), Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL), Behavioral Health & Substance Use Program Funding (Public Health) (HLAJALAI), Open Educational Resources (OER) & Open Access Academic Publishing (MPAJABAG)

Keywords

• Autism research funding
• Nonprofit educational resources
• Applied research grants
• Autism community programs
• Scholarship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Arlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: OAR raises funds through individual donations, monthly giving programs, planned giving, and donation e-cards. Donors support applied autism research and resource development.
2. Event-Based Fundraising: OAR generates revenue through organized endurance events including RUN FOR AUTISM, the Active for Autism 5K, and DIY fundraising programs where supporters raise money through races and other activities.
3. Resource Sales (Free Distribution): OAR publishes and distributes autism-related resources free of charge, including guidebooks, curricula, healthcare toolkits, and eBooks through its website and Libby library. No direct revenue is generated from resource distribution.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

OAR funds applied autism research through its Applied Research Grant and Graduate Research Grant programs and converts research findings into free, evidence-based educational resources, guidebooks, curricula, and toolkits for the autism community. It also administers postsecondary scholarships for autistic students, runs the Hire Autism employment program, and operates peer education and community grant programs for schools and organizations.

Product overview

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a nonprofit organization that does not offer a unified software product but rather operates a diverse portfolio of programs and resources for the autism community. The core offerings include Applied and Graduate Research Grants funding practical autism research; postsecondary scholarships (Schwallie Family Scholarship, Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship, Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color, Synchrony Tech Scholarship); the Hire Autism employment program; educational resources including Kit for Kids peer education program, Autism Tuned-In, and Family Guidebooks; Community and Peer Education Grants; the Healthcare Toolkit; Operation Autism for military families; the Libby Library eBook collection; RUN FOR AUTISM endurance fundraising; and the annual Youth Art Contest. OAR also publishes the monthly OARacle Newsletter and provides resources in multiple languages including Spanish.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hire Autism: A program focused on improving employment opportunities for autistic job seekers and helping employers create inclusive hiring practices.
• Operation Autism
• RUN FOR AUTISM
• Kit for Kids
• OARacle

Products and services

• Family Guidebooks series Free in-depth print and digital guidebooks supporting families from autism diagnosis through adulthood, covering topics such as navigating research, sibling support, and military family needs. Distributed at no cost to the autism community.
• Healthcare Toolkit Free toolkit helping autistic individuals and families navigate medical visits with practical strategies, communication supports, and planning tools to reduce stress during healthcare encounters.
• Sex Ed for Self-Advocates Free educational guide providing clear, respectful, and accessible information on sex education for autistic individuals, families, and educators.
• Operation Autism Free resource supporting military families navigating autism, especially during relocations and deployments, with tailored guidance for service members' families.
• Libby Library Curated library of autism-related eBooks and audiobooks, including fiction, nonfiction, clinical texts, guidebooks, and children's books, available free through the Libby app.
• College Central Free resources supporting autistic students navigating college and postsecondary education, including transition planning and academic supports.
• Spanish Language Resources Autism resources translated into Spanish and other languages for families, caregivers, and professionals worldwide.
• Kit for Kids Free peer education program and curriculum teaching autism acceptance and inclusion in schools, having reached over 290,000 students nationwide. Includes activities, lesson plans, and a student booklet.
• Autism Tuned-In Free educational resource for elementary and middle school students promoting autism understanding and acceptance.
• Hire Autism Free employment program and online platform connecting autistic job seekers with employers and providing inclusion resources for both groups. Enrollment has exceeded 8,900 job seekers.
• Applied Research Grant Grant program funding practical autism research with direct real-world benefits, examining education, communication, self-care, social connection, employment, behavior, and adult living.
• Graduate Research Grant Grant supporting emerging scholars pursuing applied autism research, helping expand the field of real-world autism research. Twelve graduate students received grants totaling over $20,000 in 2026.
• Schwallie Family Scholarship Postsecondary scholarship providing $3,000 awards to autistic students pursuing higher education.
• Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship Postsecondary scholarship providing $3,000 awards to autistic students, expanding access to higher education.
• Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color Scholarship supporting autistic students of color pursuing postsecondary education, funded by Synchrony's $200,000 two-year pledge.
• Synchrony Tech Scholarship Scholarship supporting autistic adults pursuing technology-related courses or training to advance their careers.
• Peer Education Grant Grant helping schools and community organizations teach children about autism and build inclusive peer relationships using Kit for Kids materials. Spring 2026 awarded $34,449 to seven programs.
• Community Grant Competition Grant competition funding practical tools and information resources that support the physical and mental health of autistic individuals, centering community expertise. Over $516,000 has been invested.
• RUN FOR AUTISM Endurance fundraising program allowing supporters to dedicate miles of walking, running, or biking to autism research, with marathon teams and a DIY option for any race.
• Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash Annual fitness and fundraising event during Autism Acceptance Month; the 2026 event drew 550 participants from 19 states and D.C. and raised over $60,000.
• OARacle Newsletter Monthly electronic newsletter covering research findings, resources, community news, and messages from parents, professionals, and educators; archives available from 2016 to present.
• Youth Art Contest Annual art contest inviting school-aged children to share creative perspectives on autism-acceptance themes such as Courage, Dreams, and Growth, with prizes sponsored by Blick Art Materials.

Quantifiable outcome

• $5.8+ million in applied autism research funded
• +5 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Blick Art MaterialsminorOthersBlick Art Materials sponsors the OAR Youth Art Contest by providing gift card prizes ($100 grand prize, $50 age-group winners). The partnership supports creative expression among autistic youth and autism allies through annual art contests.
• KultureCityminorOthersKultureCity provided a sensory tent at the 2026 Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash event in Alexandria, VA, offering a quiet space for participants to recharge during the event.
• nonPareil InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnernonParelli Institute collaborated with OAR through the Community Grant Competition to create Appointment Mentor VR, an immersive virtual reality experience helping autistic individuals practice navigating medical appointments. Created with adults on the autism spectrum at the institute, which is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with autism through technical training and career development.
• All Brains Belong VTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll Brains Belong VT created the Neuroinclusive Healthcare Education Hub and the resource 'Everything is Connected to Everything: Improving the Healthcare of Autistic and ADHD Adults,' both funded through OAR's Community Grant Competition. These resources address healthcare disparities for autistic and ADHD adults through education for medical professionals and patients.
• I Aspire to be Me, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerI Aspire to be Me, LLC created the 'Sex in DCity: Lessons in Healthy Relationships & Human Sexuality' curriculum, funded through OAR's Community Grant Competition and the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) in 2022. The curriculum addresses gaps in sexual education for autistic adults.
• Boston Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearchers at Boston Medical Center authored the 'Safer Dating for Youth on the Autism Spectrum' curriculum, funded by OAR. The six-session curriculum educates autistic young adults about healthy relationships, communication, and warning signs for unhealthy relationships in college settings.
• Boston UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoston University developed the 'Autism Training for Sexual Assault Counselors' online training, funded by OAR and published in 2023. The 90-minute training has three modules designed with a team that included six autistic people, two autism researchers, one sexual violence prevention expert, and online education experts.
• Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIR-P co-funded the 'Sex in DCity' curriculum with OAR through the Community Grant Competition in 2022, supporting the development of sexual education resources tailored specifically for autistic adults.
• Hire AutismcoreOthersHire Autism is OAR's own employment program and platform (accessible at hireautism.org) that connects autistic job seekers with employers and provides resources for both groups. It is an integral part of OAR's mission to support employment outcomes for autistic individuals.
• Operation AutismminorOthersOperation Autism is an OAR program launched in 2009 specifically to support military families navigating autism, especially during relocations and deployments. It provides tailored resources and targeted assistance for service members' families facing additional barriers.
• Arkibuna Coffee TruckminorOthersArkibuna Coffee Truck provided refreshments at the 2026 Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash event in Alexandria, VA, contributing to the event experience for participants.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Autism Speaks: The largest US autism advocacy organization, Autism Speaks funds research, runs awareness campaigns, and provides resource toolkits. It overlaps OAR on family-facing resources, research funding, and broader public-awareness programs but operates at significantly larger scale with a wider advocacy mandate.
• UC Davis MIND Institute: A university-based research and treatment institute focused on neurodevelopmental conditions including autism. Comparable to OAR in funding and conducting applied research with practical implications for families but as a clinical-academic institution rather than a community-focused nonprofit.

Direct peers

• Autism Society of America: A national nonprofit providing education, advocacy, and support for the autism community, with a network of affiliates delivering local services. Directly comparable to OAR's mission of supporting autistic individuals and families through education, resources, and community programs.
• Autism Research Institute: A nonprofit focused on funding and disseminating autism research, with emphasis on both biomedical and applied research. Compares directly to OAR's applied research grant programs and its goal of translating research into practical guidance for families and professionals.
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): A nonprofit run by and for autistic individuals, providing policy advocacy, self-advocate resources, and community education. Overlaps with OAR's self-advocate resources (Sex Ed for Self-Advocates, Healthcare Toolkit, scholarships) but is philosophically grounded in self-advocacy rather than applied research.
• Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism: Family-focused autism nonprofit funding research, services, and community programs with significant event-driven fundraising. Comparable to OAR on community-based grantmaking and engagement programs for autistic individuals and their families.
• National Autism Association: A nonprofit focused on safety, advocacy, and support for the autism community, providing educational resources and crisis response programming. Overlaps with OAR's family education and safety/health navigation work but emphasizes safety and wandering-prevention programs.

Regional players

• AANE (Asperger/Autism Network): A New England-based nonprofit providing education, support, and community for autistic individuals and families, with strong emphasis on adult services and life-planning. Comparable to OAR on life-journey and family resources, though more geographically concentrated.
• Marcus Autism Center: A major pediatric autism research and clinical care center affiliated with Emory University, funding research and providing diagnostic and therapeutic services. Overlaps OAR in applied autism research funding but layered with clinical care delivery and a regional Atlanta footprint.

Others

• Organization for Autism Research (Hire Autism platform): OAR's own employment sub-brand connecting autistic job seekers with employers. As an employment marketplace for autistic talent, it is comparable to disability-employment platforms such as Integrate Autism Employment Advisors or mentor/job-match services for neurodivergent adults.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/autismoar
• Facebookfacebook.com/OrganizationforAutismResearch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/organization-for-autism-research

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Organization for Autism Research