OAR's mission is focused on using research to address the myriad challenges associated with autism. This includes a commitment to apply scientific findings to improve the social, educational, and treatment aspects concerning autistic individuals, their families, and professionals within the autism community. A significant facet of their mission is to disseminate valuable, actionable information widely within the autism community and direct research and program efforts towards substantially enhancing the quality of life for those with autism and their supportive families. They define their approach as applied research, which concerns itself with practical studies aimed at improving the daily life of autistic individuals through better understanding and addressing of issues like education, communication, self-care, social skills, employment, among others, alongside family support and service delivery systems.
The Graduate Research Grant Competition by OAR offers monetary awards aimed at supporting students engaged in autism research. Specifically, the grants provide $1,000 for master’s degree candidates and $2,000 for doctoral or post-doctoral scholars, with the potential for up to 12 awards totaling $20,000. This initiative seeks to fund research with practical, objective results that furnish stakeholders — including autistic individuals, families, and professionals — with information to make informed decisions leading to improved well-being. Eligible research areas encompass the evaluation of assessment, treatment, and service models; early intervention and education strategies; adult concerns such as employment and housing; family support; and the application of communication systems for autistic individuals throughout their lives. The grants are exclusively for independent research projects that promise applied benefits in real-world contexts.