Our Mission

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

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​Through partnerships and collaboration, we are committed to:

​​Increasing global understanding & acceptance of people with autism

Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs

Increasing early childhood screening & timely interventions

Improving the transition to adulthood

Ensuring access to reliable information & services throughout the life span

Next 10 Vision

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Recognizing the need for a powerful voice Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization.

Building upon the legacy of three leading autism organizations, Autism Coalition for Research and Education (ACRE), the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), who merged with the organization, Autism Speaks has made extraordinary advancements in the autism community.

Chief among these are increased global awareness of autism, better understanding of the breadth of the autism spectrum, and advocacy to increase research and access to care and support.

Today, 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.

To accomplish this, Autism Speaks will relentlessly pursue strategies that make significant progress toward the following outcomes over the next 10 years:

A better understanding of the causes and typology of ASD

Children with an autism spectrum disorder being diagnosed before the age of 2

Children having access to appropriate intervention, services and resources immediately following diagnosis

The availability of better treatments both for underlying pathology as well as co-existing conditions that decrease quality of life for those with autism

People with ASD and their families have transition plans that result in more independent adult life that is meaningful to the individual

Individuals with ASD will have effective interventions, services and supports throughout their lifetime

These goals can only be achieved through work in communities nationwide, at the federal level and globally by working with partners, governments and other organizations.

It will require an inclusive approach that values diversity and individual needs. We will work in partnership with those who share our goals, ambitions, and values.

It is clear that the mission of Autism Speaks will require the organization to grow in new ways and build capacity to be a sustaining organization to accelerate progress in science and support people with autism and their families over a lifetime.

This will require investment in people, infrastructure and process in order to operate as a best in class non-profit organization.