Autism Speaks
SYNOPSIS: Autism Speaks is a relatively new (2005) autism organization that has taken public awareness of the diagnosis and its challenges to a new level. Because the creators have been able to access the entertainment industry, their ability to "get the word out" is very strong. They believe they are the United States' "largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families."
AVAILABLE SERVICES:
Be Informed - Information about the Diagnosis:
o Overview and History of the Basic Diagnosis.
o Ideas on how to respond to initial diagnosis & lifespan changes.
Get Involved - Autism Speaks Projects: This section provides information on how to assist with Autism Speak services through the donation of money and/or time. However, it also lists its primary areas of emphasis for those donations: Science, Family and Community Services, Advocacy, and Public Awareness.
Community - Information about Family Services: This section offers an excellent list of services for individuals and families struggling with an ASD diagnosis. They have a wonderful free kit to help families with the first 100 days after the diagnosis. Their school packet is also informative and free. Other resources include a local resource guide for the United States; a resource library; The Autism Safety Project; the Autism Response Team; and a section on practical daily living issues called Community Connections. Autism Speaks has a growing number of local chapters and Social Networks.
Science - Info about Research Projects and Reports: Because Autism Speaks began as an organization who emphasized discovering a "cure", its section on the science of ASD is extensive. They have an overview of their goals when it comes to Autism Research that includes causes, treatments, and possible cures. They include information on those projects they specifically support as well as other scientific research in the field.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Autism Speaks
2 Park Avenue, 11 Floor New York, NY 10016
Telephone: 1-212-252-8584 Fax: 1-212-252-8676
http://www.autismspeaks.org
