For 58 years and counting, the Autism Society, including our nationwide network of affiliates, connects people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming.
The Autism Society was founded in 1965 by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. His book, Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and Its Implications for a Neural Theory of Behavior, was written in late 1964 and was one of the first of its kind. In 1968, Ruth Sullivan, Ph.D., became the organization’s first elected president. Over the last 55 years, the Autism Society has grown from a handful of parents into the leading source of information, research, reference, and support on the Autism experience. The Autism Society is the oldest and largest grassroots Autism organization and nationally serves over half a million people per year. Throughout the years, the Autism Society has helped millions of Autistic individuals, their families, and support professionals through advocacy, education, services, and support.
We are here for you.
The Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE) helps Autistic and similarly Neurodivergent people build meaningful, connected lives. We provide individuals, families, and professionals with education, community and support, in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.
Our organization offers educational resources, personal support for families, and therapeutic athletic programs. Our unique recreational programs deliver community-based sports and physical activity programs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The American Autism Association encourages healthy lifestyles, fosters independence and inclusion, and promotes personal empowerment to better the quality of life for people with autism.
Since 2010 the American Autism Association has been devoted to our mission, helping thousands of families each year through our Autism Help Hotline, therapeutic recreational programs, and parenting workshops. Our philosophy is what drives our programs and our work. We are so proud of what we have been able to accomplish for the autism community, and look forward to expanding this success in the years ahead.
Established in 1990, Families as Allies is the only statewide organization run by and for families of children with behavioral health challenges. We support each other and work together to make things better for our children.
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Recognizing the need for a powerful voice Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. To better advocate for enhanced services, inclusion, resources and support for the autism community and create a stronger, nationwide footprint, Autism Speaks merged with three leading autism organizations, Autism Coalition for Research and Education (ACRE), the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN). Since that time, Autism Speaks has continued working alongside other organizations and the autistic community to make extraordinary advancements for people across the autism spectrum.
At Autism Speaks, we are working to achieve a world where all people with autism, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, can reach their full potential - inclusive of all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, and belief systems.
Potential is unique to each individual and we strive to serve everyone with autism and their families by improving the representation of this diverse community in our content, expanding the reach of our resources and increasing inclusive practices in our workplace.