Autism Speaks

We fund biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders; increase awareness; and advocate for the needs of affected families.

Why do we exist?

Autism Speaks aims to help find a cure for autism by raising the funds that will facilitate and quicken the pace of research, to raise public awareness of autism, and to give hope to all those who suffer from this disorder.   Autism is the nation's fastest-growing serious developmental disorder with a prevalence rate of 1 In 110 American children and 1 In 70 boys. The CDC reports that 1% or 1 in every 110 children has been diagnosed with autism, including 1 in 70 boys. This represents a staggering 57 percent increase from 2002 to 2006, and a 600 percent increase in just the past 20 years.

These new findings reinforce that autism is an urgent and growing public health crisis that affects most individuals across their lifespan and demands a commensurate level of action from both the public and private sectors.

What have you accomplished?

• Autism Speaks increased its focus on the necessary supports and services for adolescents and adults with autism through programs such as Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism and Autism in the Workplace.
•  In 2009 alone, seven states enacted new autism insurance reform laws: New Mexico, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Connecticut, Wisconsin and New Jersey. Presently, an additional 25 states have similar insurance reform legislation under consideration.

	How do you help people in my community?		Why do you need my support?
	How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?		Can I Volunteer? How?