Autism Society

Autism Society. The Autism Society is a United States-based organization that focuses on improving the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as their families, through various initiatives and programs, often collaborating with institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Founded by Ruth Sullivan and Bernard Rimland, the organization has been instrumental in raising awareness about ASD, similar to the efforts of Temple Grandin, Donna Williams, and Stephen Shore. The Autism Society works closely with other organizations, such as the Autism Speaks and the Asperger's Association of New England, to promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with ASD, as seen in the work of Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner.

● History of

Autism Society The Autism Society was established in 1965 by Ruth Sullivan and Bernard Rimland, with the goal of providing support and resources to families affected by ASD, much like the work of Bruno Bettelheim and his Orthogenic School. Over the years, the organization has grown and evolved, with notable contributions from individuals like Uta Frith, Simon Baron-Cohen, and Lorna Wing. The Autism Society has been involved in various initiatives, including the development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for ASD, which has been influenced by the work of Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner. The organization has also worked with government agencies, such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to advance research and improve services for individuals with ASD, as seen in the efforts of Tom Insel and Catherine Lord.

● Mission and Objectives

The Autism Society's mission is to improve the lives of individuals with ASD and their families, through advocacy, education, and support, similar to the goals of the Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and the Asperger's Association of New England. The organization's objectives include promoting awareness and understanding of ASD, advancing research and treatment, and providing resources and support to families and individuals affected by ASD, as seen in the work of Tony Attwood, Michelle Garcia Winner, and Carol Gray. The Autism Society also aims to improve access to services and support for individuals with ASD, working with organizations like the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). The organization's mission and objectives are guided by the principles of inclusion, acceptance, and self-advocacy, as promoted by individuals like Temple Grandin, Donna Williams, and Stephen Shore.

● Organization and Structure

The Autism Society is a national organization with a network of local chapters and affiliates, including the Autism Society of America and the Autism Society of Canada. The organization is governed by a board of directors, which includes individuals with ASD, family members, and professionals in the field, such as Brenda Smith Myles and Jed Baker. The Autism Society also has a staff of professionals who work on advocacy, education, and support initiatives, often collaborating with institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Michigan. The organization's structure and governance are designed to ensure that the needs and perspectives of individuals with ASD and their families are represented and prioritized, as seen in the work of Ari Ne'eman and Julia Bascom.

● Advocacy and Awareness

The Autism Society is a leading advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with ASD and their families, working with organizations like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF). The organization has been involved in various advocacy initiatives, including the passage of the Autism CARES Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which have been influenced by the work of Tom Harkin and Tony Coelho. The Autism Society also works to raise awareness about ASD through public education campaigns, such as the Autism Awareness Month and the World Autism Awareness Day, which have been supported by individuals like Sia and Dan Aykroyd. The organization's advocacy and awareness efforts are designed to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with ASD, as seen in the work of John Elder Robison and Steve Silberman.

● Programs and Services

The Autism Society offers a range of programs and services to support individuals with ASD and their families, including the Autism Society's Online Community, the Autism Society's Resource Database, and the Autism Society's Helpline. The organization also provides training and education for professionals, such as teachers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officials, often collaborating with institutions like the National Autism Association (NAA) and the Autism Society of America. The Autism Society's programs and services are designed to address the unique needs and challenges of individuals with ASD, as seen in the work of Michelle Garcia Winner and Carol Gray. The organization also works to promote employment and housing opportunities for individuals with ASD, as seen in the efforts of Rudy Simone and Helen Tager-Flusberg.

● Research and Partnerships

The Autism Society is committed to advancing research on ASD, working with organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Autism Speaks, and the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). The organization has been involved in various research initiatives, including the development of the Autism Genome Project and the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE), which have been influenced by the work of Eric Courchesne and Raphael Bernier. The Autism Society also partners with other organizations to promote research and improve services for individuals with ASD, as seen in the collaborations between the Autism Society of America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The organization's research and partnerships are designed to improve our understanding of ASD and to develop effective treatments and interventions, as seen in the work of Catherine Lord and Ami Klin.