Autism Speaks

In 2005, Suzanne and Bob Wright co-founded Autism Speaks, inspired by their grandson who was diagnosed with autism. Guided by the Wrights’ leadership and vision, Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.

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.

Deeply ingrained in the Autism Speaks mission is a commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible world for those we serve. By enhancing our solutions, embracing culture and elevating diversity inside and outside of our organization, we can guide individuals and families to more relevant resources that can help them overcome obstacles they may encounter and reach their full potential. This work will address biases and disparities that create obstacles, champion equity-focused innovations and further advance the lives of people on the spectrum.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to:

• Advancing research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions, both through direct funding and collaboration.
• Increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders.
• Finding solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families across the spectrum and life span, through advocacy and support.

Our goals can only be achieved by working in communities nationwide, at the federal level and globally, by working with partners, governments and other organizations. We will work in partnership with those who share our goals, ambitions and values.

It will require an inclusive approach that values diversity and individual needs.

It's clear that Autism Speaks’ mission requires us to grow in new ways and build our capacity to accelerate progress in science as well as support individuals with autism and their families over a lifetime. This will require an investment in people, infrastructure and process in order to operate as a best-in-class nonprofit organization.

Autism Speaks is committed to supporting people with autism and deliver solutions and supports to help people both today and in the future, across the spectrum and life span.

Every individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academics. About 40 percent have average to above-average intellectual abilities.

However, others have significant disability and are unable to live independently. About one-third of people with ASD are nonverbal, but some can learn to communicate using other means.

Approximately 50 percent of children with autism attempt to wander or bolt from a safe, supervised place, and for a significant number of people, this continues into adulthood. For a subset of those with autism, aggressive and in some cases self-injurious behaviors occur, impeding independence and community life.

Here are a few of our FY23 accomplishments: 

• Introduced Hablemos Autismo, a new podcast for the Hispanic community around autism. This broadcast, hosted by a member of our Autism Response Team, helps raise awareness and address topics impacting the Spanish-speaking autism community. The podcast features the voices and views of parents, autistic advocates, professionals and much more.   
• Funded the education of 10,000 caregivers and health professionals across 55 countries on autism best practices in managing, maintaining and coordinating care for a family member with autism. Provided by our Autism Care Network ECHO autism program, the training enables improved access to care in underserved communities and covers ADHD, anxiety and irritability, family support and more. 
• Engaged Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) as the first state agency in the country to receive the Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation. Over 85 percent of employees in 13 area vocational rehabilitation offices across the state completed special training and certification to better serve and meet the needs of people with autism. 
• Increased Autism Speaks staff-led support groups around autism, race and gender-identity, providing Autism Speaks employees with a voice and visibility and creating a sense of community to enhance our own culture of inclusion and equity. 

86 cents of every dollar funds research, advocacy, programs and services.

Through collaboration and partnerships we:

• Ensure access to reliable information and services across the lifespan
• Support research and innovation to improve quality of life
• Convene the work of service providers through advocacy, partnering and collaboration
• Speed delivery of solutions for adult quality of life needs
• Promote diversity, equity, access and inclusion in all actions and partnerships