OAR works closely with community members and partners to respond effectively and, rather than fund research on what causes autism, funds studies on topics that affect the day-to-day quality of life for autistic people such as education, parent and teacher support, communication, self-care, social skills, employment, mental health, and adult and community living.

One of the hallmarks of autism is that the characteristics vary significantly among different autistic children and adults. No two autistic people are the same. In addition, different autistic individuals will need support to greater or lesser degrees across a wide range of contexts. Autism is found in all cultures, genders, and socio-economic groups.