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November 15.2025
3 Minutes Read

Janel's NYC Marathon Triumph: Running for Autism Awareness

Woman promoting Running for Autism Awareness with sign and banner.

Running for Acceptance: Janel's Journey

Janel Miles is gearing up for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, fueled by the passionate mission to raise awareness and funds for individuals like her son, Maxton. His journey to diagnose autism ignited a purpose in her, illustrating the profound love and resilience within families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Understanding Autism: Maxton’s Path

Maxton's story is one filled with challenges and triumphs. Diagnosed after years of seeking answers, this journey began shortly after he was born and contracted meningitis, leading to developmental delays. Janel invested significant time into understanding autism, allowing her son to thrive in a supportive environment. Importantly, she embraced his stimming behavior as a normal regulation mechanism rather than curtailing it. “It doesn’t change who he is,” she asserts, emphasizing that the diagnosis opened new avenues for communication and understanding.

The Importance of Community Support

Janel's commitment to advocacy is paralleled by her role at the Columbia Ability Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to promoting inclusion for individuals with unique abilities. This organization equips job seekers with the tools they need to succeed while also educating employers about the invaluable contributions those with disabilities can bring to a workplace. The work Janel does not only enriches her life but also positively impacts countless others, mirroring the communal ethos in the disability advocacy landscape.

Running as a Metaphor for Strength

Janel's introduction to running served as a turning point in her life. She describes running as a powerful medium through which she discovered her strength, noting, “Running has proven to myself that I can do hard things.” This newfound discipline and grit reflect her commitment to both her personal growth and her son’s future. Her participation in the running community has provided camaraderie, uplifting spirits and strengthening her resolve—qualities she aims to impart to Maxton.

A Broader Message of Inclusion

Janel’s participation in the NYC Marathon is about more than finishing a race; it’s a beacon of hope for others navigating similar journeys. In light of narratives like that of fellow runners and advocates, such as Evan Mansfield, these stories highlight the common threads of perseverance and community. Evan, who overcame his own barriers to pursue a master's degree while running marathons, embodies the shared experience many face within the autism community.

Future Opportunities: What Lies Ahead

As the marathon approaches, Janel is not only running for Maxton but for every child who deserves a supportive and understanding environment. The race signifies a moment that transcends the individual, uniting families and advocates around a common goal: to foster a world of acceptance and inclusion. “There’s strength in our stories,” Janel claims, and that strength only grows through shared experiences.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether running, volunteering, or advocating, the journey towards inclusion is a team effort. Janel’s story urges everyone to become a part of this movement, encouraging others to join forces in creating a supportive community for people with autism. As she prepares for the marathon, consider how you can contribute to this vital cause, echoing the sentiment that every effort counts in fostering acceptance and understanding.

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12.18.2025

Mastering Workplace Connections: Strategies for Building Relationships

Update Navigating the Shift: Making New Workplace Connections Transitioning to a new job often brings challenges, especially when meeting new colleagues and adapting to different workplace dynamics. Discovering how to engage with a fresh set of coworkers is key to your success and satisfaction in a new position. Whether it’s establishing rapport or managing conflicts, here are effective strategies for building productive relationships. Begin with Familiarity: Introductions Matter One of the most effective methods to set a positive tone in your new role is to prioritize introductions within your first few weeks. Initiating conversations might feel daunting, but it's a crucial step. When you share your background, passions, and strengths, you encourage those around you to reciprocate. This proactive approach not only fosters camaraderie but can also enhance workplace morale. Understanding Names - The First Step to Connection Knowing your colleagues' names isn’t just a courtesy; it’s foundational to building relationships. When you greet coworkers by name, it helps break the ice and creates an inviting atmosphere. If names are hard to remember, consider keeping a notebook or using your company’s staff directory to familiarize yourself with their titles and roles. The Power of One-on-One Meetings Consider asking to schedule one-on-one meetings with colleagues, especially those you’ll collaborate with directly. These meetings can unveil insights into workplace culture and expectations while establishing a foundation for effective teamwork. They provide an opportunity for informal exchanges that can deepen your understanding of your colleagues’ personalities and communication styles. Leave a Lasting Impression: The Early Days Count Your first impressions at a new job can set the stage for how you are perceived for years to come. Demonstrating reliability through punctuality, dressing appropriately, and showcasing a positive attitude can solidify your reputation. Simple gestures like greeting coworkers can enhance rapport and reflect your professionalism. Interpersonal Skills: Building the Foundation Effective workplace relationships are grounded in strong interpersonal skills. As you navigate your new role, aim to develop rapport with various colleagues—from peer relationships to mentorships. Building these skills is identical to nurturing the relationships themselves and integral to both individual and organizational success. Building Resilience Through Change Navigating a new work environment isn’t solely about the relationships. Emphasizing resilience during this transition period can help manage stress and foster adaptability. According to strategies discussed in workplace transition tutorials, understanding emotional responses in such times equips individuals to face challenges with clarity and composure. Preparing for Evolving Relationships in Leadership As you establish yourself in your role, especially if you aspire to leadership, recognize that relationships will evolve. New responsibilities will reshape how colleagues view you and how you engage with them. Feeling prepared for this shift and being aware of authority's impact on relationships will help you manage expectations and create a supportive network. Creating Effective Networks: The Importance of Connections Professional networks include superiors and peers but also extend to junior colleagues actively working on their growth. Emphasizing these connections enables you to embrace broader perspectives and valuable collaborations within the organization. Take Action for Growth: Embracing Your Transition By integrating the aforementioned strategies, not only can you navigate the early stages of a new job with confidence, but you can also create a framework for ongoing professional development. Emphasizing relationship-building today will yield benefits in both your current and future roles, enhancing workplace satisfaction and career advancement. Feeling lost in your new work setting? Engage with your colleagues and seek guidance when needed. Establishing strong connections and demonstrating your commitment can lead to a successful transition.

12.12.2025

OAR Awards 2025 Research Grants: Pioneering Paths in Autism Care

Update OAR Boosts Autism Research with 2025 Grant Winners The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has taken a significant step in advancing applied autism research with the announcement of its 2025 Applied Research Competition grant winners. This initiative, established to fund research aimed at practical applications in understanding and improving the lives of individuals with autism, awarded funding for eight innovative projects totaling $397,372 this year alone. This marks a notable increase in OAR’s commitment to funding critical studies, surpassing a cumulative $5.8 million in grants since its inception in 2002. Elevating Autistic Voices Among the eight notable projects funded this year, innovative proposals seek to address gaps in autism research and practice that have persisted over the years. Principal investigator Yael Dai from Florida International University focuses on developing a toolkit designed to enhance mental health treatment for autistic adults, tailoring therapeutic interventions to better address their unique needs. Similarly, Susan Faja from Boston Children’s Hospital is piloting a curriculum focusing on romance and sexual health specifically for adolescents on the autism spectrum—an often overlooked area in autism research. Collaborative Research Efforts at the Heart of Change The collaborative input from autism professionals reflects a burgeoning understanding that interdisciplinary approaches may yield the most effective improvements in the lives of those with autism. Baylor University’s researchers are working on blended Natural Language Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) aimed at enhancing social communication skills among young children—a critical area that can facilitate smoother integration into social environments as these children mature. Resonance with Current Events These initiatives come at a necessary juncture where awareness and efficacy of autism research are paramount. Current events surrounding mental health—exacerbated by the pandemic—underscore the urgent need for tailored mental health support for autistic individuals, whose unique experiences and challenges demand targeted solutions. Future Directions Based on Current Grants Looking ahead, the groundwork laid by these recent grants is poised to stimulate further inquiries into parent-child dynamics, community health interventions, and innovative assessment tools. This research ecosystem will benefit greatly from OAR’s funding as it encourages projects like Nicole McDonald’s Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, which aims at engaging minimally verbal autistic children. The implementation of evidence-based practices stands to enhance family interactions while dynamically recognizing the needs of each individual involved. A Resource for Lifelong Learning OAR’s recently announced resource grant for menstrual health assessment, aimed particularly at individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, symbolizes a step towards improving quality of life. Under the guidance of Rebecca J. Barall at the University of Nebraska, this project is a testament to OAR’s proactive responses to the everyday realities faced by the autism community—underscoring that informed, sensitive research can facilitate real-world applications. Conclusion: Empowering Research for Tomorrow As OAR prepares for the next round of grant applications in 2026, they invite researchers and professionals to bring their innovative ideas to the table, ensuring that the future of autism research remains vibrant and impactful. This encouraging outlook not only signifies hope for ongoing projects but also a call to action for those within the research community to contribute their insights—paving the way for exhaustive explorations that prioritize the diverse experiences of autistic individuals. For the latest updates and to find out how to get involved in the upcoming 2026 Applied Research Competition, interested parties can visit OAR’s official website for more information on the application process and guidelines.

12.11.2025

Celebrating the RUN FOR AUTISM Award Winners: Inspiring Stories of Community and Fundraising

Update Celebrating Perseverance: The 2025 RUN FOR AUTISM Awards This year at the RUN FOR AUTISM, nearly 1,200 athletes came together with a shared mission: to support autism research through their participation in a series of marathons and events. As part of this inspiring journey, we celebrated outstanding achievements through our first annual RUN FOR AUTISM Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals and teams whose contributions have made a significant impact. Winners Who Inspire Us: Standing Ovation Award The Standing Ovation Award is bestowed upon the highest individual fundraiser, and in 2025, this prestigious accolade went to Colin Connor. Participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Colin raised an impressive $17,961 in honor of his son, Jack, who was diagnosed with autism at three. Colin's dedication has grown from competing in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon to becoming a pivotal figure in the RUN community, embodying the spirit of resilience and advocacy for autism awareness. Stronger Together: The Fundraising Team This year's Stronger Together Award was presented to the Apawamis and Donnelly Run Club. The team, which started with just one runner four years ago, now comprises 17 members, collectively raising an astonishing $60,639 at the TCS New York City Marathon. This team exemplifies what can be achieved through unity and passion for a worthy cause, and their growth reflects their unwavering commitment to autism research. Dedication Beyond Measure: Go-The-Extra-Mile Award Chris Neil, a remarkable athlete who has committed to running six Abbott World Major Marathons, was honored with the Go-The-Extra-Mile Award. His connection to autism is deeply personal; he supports his sister’s family, who have two boys on the spectrum. His journey across four continents to raise over $23,000 for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) showcases extraordinary commitment and strength. Chris's story is not only an inspiration but a highlight of community spirit achieved through sport. High-Five Award: Connection and Camaraderie The High-Five Award, honoring the spirit of connection within the RUN FOR AUTISM community, went to Luis Plascencia. After discovering his passion for running in 2017 due to his brother Oscar’s journey with autism, Luis continues to run to celebrate his brother’s legacy. Despite Oscar’s passing in 2021, Luis is a beacon of encouragement for others, always present at events and fostering a sense of belonging. His dedication to camaraderie illustrates the powerful bonds formed through shared experiences in facing challenges. Recognizing Our Future Leaders: Ambassador Superlatives The introduction of our Ambassador Superlatives this year marked a new chapter in recognizing the continuous efforts of alumni within the RUN FOR AUTISM community. Jenelle Comm, for instance, is celebrated as a community leader whose engagement has been pivotal. These ambassadors embody the dedication and perseverance that defines the RUN FOR AUTISM movement, serving as role models for future participants. Why These Awards Matter: A Legacy of Hope The RUN FOR AUTISM awards not only celebrate individual and team accomplishments but also symbolize hope and perseverance within the autism community. Each recipient's journey reflects the collective effort to raise awareness, foster inclusivity, and drive funding towards autism research. As we recognize these exceptional individuals and teams, we are reminded of the triumphs made possible through unity and dedication. Looking Ahead: A Call to Action As we move toward 2026, anticipation builds for our next RUN FOR AUTISM events and opportunities to engage. With the continued support of dedicated athletes, teams, and families, we can cultivate an even stronger community. Everyone can contribute, whether through participation or encouragement, to advocate for autism research. Let us all continue to strive for understanding and compassion, as we celebrate the stories that bring us together.

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