| Welcome to Student Initiatives of Autism Speaks!
Student Initiatives of Autism Speaks are open to students of any age who want to join together to make a difference in the global health crisis of autism, regardless of their personal connection. Our goal is to create a community that is educated about autism by empowering students to pave the way for acceptance and understanding.
By getting involved in a Student Initiative, you will be taking an active role in your community. Through various activities and peer mentoring, your school and community will be a better place for those affected by autism.
Our Mission
Student Initiatives helps further the mission of Autism Speaks by creating the opportunity for students to engage and actively participate in positively affecting the lives of people with autism. Through education, awareness, friendship, and fundraising, Student Initiatives include students of all ages.
Featured Story -
Student Clubs can change a school and transform the lives of students.
David, who is an eighth grade student at Bak Middle School of the Arts, started an Autism Speaks Student Club at his school last month. At first, he was afraid of what some of the other kids would say when they found out that he had autism. But, he was willing to open up about his disability hoping that it would help others to better understand him and because he has a desire to help all of the other children who live each day of their lives with this difficult, often times confusing disorder. Click here to read more.
We Need Your Help!
We're looking for photos of student activities for our website. We need photos of Student Clubs, Buddies, Youth Leaders, and College Initiatives in action! Please send your photos to studentclubs@autismspeaks.org!
New Tools!
We're happy to announce the School Communities Toolkit available for download. The purpose of this kit is to provide information about autism – the features, challenges and strengths - as well as some of the tools and strategies that may result in more positive interactions for all members of a school community.
Announcing:
Autism Speaks Launches National University Program
NEW YORK, NY (October 9, 2008) – Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism advocacy organization, today announced the launch of Autism SpeaksU, an initiative of Autism Speaks focused on engaging the young philanthropists of the world and connecting college students with the autism community. Founded by the members of the Beta Sigma Beta Fraternity and Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Penn State University in 2006, the annual walk/run in State College, Pa. has raised nearly $450,000 for Autism Speaks in the last three years and has successfully engaged college students and families in local and national autism advocacy efforts. Click here to view the press release.
In the News:
10 Myths About Autism (ABC News)
As the number of Americans diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders climbs, so, too, does the number of questions surrounding this disorder. Namely, what is autism, and what is causing a rise in autism diagnoses among adults and children nationwide? Read more.
Girls recognized by autism group (Fairlawn, Ohio)
Three St. Hilary School students were recently thanked for their efforts to help the Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio. Watch video.
CBS Early Show Focuses on Siblings
On Friday, October 3 the CBS Early Show aired a segment focusing on siblings of individuals with autism. Among the siblings CBS Anchor Meg Oliver profiled is Manhattanville College student, and Autism Speaks' summer intern, Joseph Pirraglia. The Pirraglia family is also actively involved with the Westchester/Fairfield Walk Now for Autism and other Autism Speaks advocacy and fundraising initiatives. View the segment here.
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