Redefine Possible

Autism Speaks celebrating 20 years!

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, the stakes have never been higher for the autism community. Significant hurdles remain in the areas of employment, health and wellness, and community and connection. We aim to change that forever – and redefine possible for people with autism!

Autism information and support

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What is autism?

Learn more about autism spectrum disorder.
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Signs of autism

Learn the signs of autism at any age.
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Newly diagnosed

Get resources and support after a new autism diagnosis.

Find autism services and events in your community

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Autism Response Team

Have questions? We are here to help with personalized information.
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Resource Guide

Find autism specialists in your community.
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Autism activities and events

Find autism-friendly activities and events in your area.

Find the resources right for you

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Person with autism

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Parent

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Educator

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Empower Walk & 5K Run - making change happen!

Join the Empower Walk & 5K Run

The Empower Walk & 5K Run combines our signature Walk with an exciting new 5K Run. While we’ve updated the name and logo, our mission remains unchanged: to create a more inclusive world. The Empower Walk & 5K Run is for everyone who wants to make a difference in the autism community. Whether you choose to walk or run, participate as an individual or as part of a team — join us today to be a part of something truly impactful!

Register now

Autism news

All the latest that matters to our community
KVUE Austin logo
6.12.25

KVUE Austin highlights water safety tips with Eileen Lamb
In a recent interview, Eileen Lamb of Autism Speaks emphasized that autistic children are nearly 40 times more likely to drown due to their attraction
woman standing in front of Capitol building with dome in the background. White banner with blue text "POLICY PULSE" is along the bottom of image
5.30.25

Policy Pulse | Federal funding in focus: IDEA, Medicaid & CARES
This newsletter edition highlights special education, federal funding updates, legislation moving through Congress, some state session results, and a
medical supplies on a white table
5.15.25

HEADs UP Act is introduced in the US House of Representatives
HEADs UP Act is introduced in Congress to help achieve better health outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD),
Forbes logo
5.8.25

Forbes celebrates the evolution of Autism Speaks
Spotlighting the voices of autism advocates, Forbes highlights the progress Autism Speaks has made as an organization and for the autism community
Andy Shih accepting an award at INSAR 2025
5.1.25

Autism Speaks CSO Dr. Andy Shih honored for advancing autism research worldwide
On May 1, 2025, Dr. Shih, Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer, received the 2025 Research Advocacy Award from the International Society for Autism
Four autism advocates standing in front of US and county flags. Banner across bottom of image that says "Policy Pulse"
4.30.25

Policy Pulse | New data, bills and opportunities to advocate
This newsletter edition highlights World Autism Month activity, new legislation and autism data, and an exciting opportunity to advocate in DC.
Read more news

Advocacy priorities

Autism Speaks influences policy at the state and federal government levels. To do this, we work with Congress, the White House, state legislators, agencies, and regulators.

See our advocacy priorities
florist and medical professional

Do you have a job that's right for someone with autism? If you're hiring, the answer is yes!

Our Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) program can help!

Learn more about WIN

Life on the spectrum

a mother kissing her young son on the cheek as he smiles
Jasmyn and her son, DC
By using my voice and getting involved in community events like the Empower Summit & Challenge, I hope to create greater access to resources and education, providing a valuable roadmap for my son, DC, and other families on similar journeys.
Read Jasmyn and her son, DC's Story
a mother wearing a white dress and her son wearing a life jacket on a boat
Imani G.
Being part of the Empower Summit & Challenge is an honor and a chance to drive meaningful change. I hope to use my voice to amplify the needs of the autism community, inspire collective action, and help shape [the] future.
Read Imani G.'s Story
Kiki Chambers, autistic advocate and practioner
Kiki C.
As each of us contributes in our own way, everyone in this community—whether a parent, an autistic individual, a professional, or a loved one—has something meaningful to share.
Read Kiki C.'s Story
a girl wearing a headset and working in production
Sydney C.
Lights, Camera, Friendship on the Spectrum aims to look beyond the tired, traditional meaning and perspective of autism, but what’s more is its power to influence how we see each other as fellow humans.
Read Sydney C.'s Story
Explore more stories
If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism.

- Dr. Stephen Shore