Advocacy

• Autism Speaks

At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.

We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals.

Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.

Autism Speaks funded $20 million worth of autism research in 2006 in four categories: Pilot Study Awards, Fellowship Awards, Augmentation and Bridge Awards, and for the first time ever, awards were given for early treatment research. A grant also funded the development of the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) Community Project which will launch in 2007.

• Autism Society of America

Autism Society of America (ASA) is the leading voice and resource of the entire autism community in education, advocacy, services, research and support. The ASA is committed to meaningful participation and self-determination in all aspects of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. ASA accomplishes its ongoing mission through close collaboration with a successful network of chapters, members and supporters.

Our Guiding Principles

ASAís efforts are focused on meaningful participation and self-determination in all aspects of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

ASA promotes individual, parental and guardian choice to assure that people on the autism spectrum are treated with dignity and respect.

ASA proactively informs, influences, guides and develops public policy at the federal, state and local level, including setting agendas for policy makers and legislators, for the benefit of the autism community.

ASA is the respected voice of the autism community and the primary source for information by providing timely, frequent, relevant and professional communications.

ASA works to ensure that every chapter is a successful chapter, sustained by a collaborative relationship between the national office and chapters to realize mutual benefit and to protect the interests of both.

ASA advocates for multi-disciplined approaches to autism research focused on improving the quality of life for individuals across the autism spectrum and their families.

ASA works to ensure financial self-sufficiency and growth for all ASA operating units and integrated operations across all levels of ASA.

• Cure Autism Now (CAN)

Cure Autism Now (CAN) is an organization of parents, clinicians and leading scientists committed to accelerating the pace of biomedical research in autism through raising money for research projects, education and outreach. Founded by parents of children with autism in 1995, the organization has grown from a kitchen-table effort to the largest provider of support for autism research and resources in the country. The organization's primary focus is to fund essential research through a variety of programs designed to encourage innovative approaches toward identifying the causes, prevention, treatment and a cure for autism and related disorders.

Since its founding, Cure Autism Now has committed nearly $39 million in research, the establishment and ongoing support of the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE), and numerous outreach and awareness activities aimed at families, physicians, governmental officials and the general public.

Cure Autism Now believes that, with enough determination, money and manpower, science can be hurried so that answers are found sooner rather than later.

• First Signs

First Signs is dedicated to the early identification and intervention of children with developmental delays and disorders.

With developmental disabilities on the rise, there is much that remains poorly understood, from cause to cure. However, there is one widely-accepted fact: Early and intensive intervention can have a profound impact on the quality of life for both children at risk and their families. The key is early detection. But recognizing the first signs of a developmental delay or disorder, such as autism, can be a challenge for parents and healthcare professionals alike.

Our organization aims to educate parents, healthcare providers, early childhood educators, and other professionals in order to ensure the best developmental outcome for every child. Our goals are to improve screening and referral practices and to lower the age at which young children are identified with autism and other developmental disorders.