AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA
SUBMITTED BY RONALD N. DESEARS
Autism Society of America, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to
improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the
day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for
individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment,
education, research and advocacy.
Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan and many other parents of
children with autism, ASA is the leading source of trusted and reliable information about autism.
Through its strong chapter network, ASA ...view middle of the document...
In 2007, ASA entered into partnerships with several national organizations to address the
growing health crisis of autism in the United States. We have partnered with Easter Seals, one of
the largest non-profits to provide lifespan services to people with autism, to create service
models and affect public policy. We have partnered with NATTAP, a national network of autism
educators and therapists, to create professional standards and training for the overwhelmed
education system. We also have partnered with NARPAA, a national residential provider
association for autism, and APSE, a national employment support organization, to find solutions
for our adults on the spectrum. We have also partnered with numerous autism organizations
dedicated to early identification and treatment.
Since 1965, ASA has been a leader in serving people with autism, their families and the
professionals. We provide the most comprehensive Information and Referral service via our
1-800-3Autism toll free number, and the largest online referral database, Autism Source.
ASA is the home of the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon, one of the most recognizable
cause-related symbols, and founded National Autism Awareness Month, which helps focus
attention on autism in April of every year. ASA’s 190 chapters nationwide are incubators for
local programs such as Safe and Sound, camps, respite care, and social skills events.
ASA supports research that will help families living with autism. Today, 60 individuals
will be diagnosed with autism, and their families have no clear path to treat the symptoms of this
medical condition.
For this reason, ASA launched...
