Autism support, resources & advocacy

Man celebrating completion of Autism Speaks Empower Walk + 5K Run

Join us now and fuel a movement that drives impact where it’s needed most.

The Empower Walk & 5K Run is your moment to ignite real change in the autism community. Whether you walk or run, show up solo or rally a team—don’t wait.

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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.

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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!

2.23.26

Autism Speaks and McLean Hospital launch initiative to improve dementia care for autistic adults

Autism Speaks, in collaboration with McLean Hospital, a member of Mass General Brigham, today announced a groundbreaking initiative funded by Autism

2.18.26

Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala returns to NYC on March 31

The annual Autism Speaks Celebrity Chef Gala returns, uniting world-renowned chefs to advance acceptance, inclusion and employment for the autism

policy pulse february advocates on state capitol

2.5.26

Policy Pulse | Funding wins kick off 2026

This newsletter edition highlights wins in funding to kick off the year, state advocacy, information on Autism Speaks' upcoming Advocacy Forum & Hill

2.4.26

Autism Speaks and First Place launch first-of-its-kind Housing Market Analysis in Chicago

Autism Speaks and First Place Global announced the Chicago Housing Market Analysis to address the growing housing needs of autistic people and others

1.14.26

Good Morning America interviews experts on new autistic Barbie

ABC’s Good Morning America explores reactions from autism experts and advocacy groups to Mattel’s release of its first autistic Barbie.

2025 blocks turning to 2026 with the words "policy pulse" across the bottom in blue

12.31.25

Policy Pulse | 2025 advocacy wrapped

This newsletter edition highlights 2025 wins in autism advocacy, federal budget negotations and information on Autism Speaks' upcoming Advocacy Forum

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

Billy and Tami Mayfair on a gold course. Credit Bill Greenblatt

Billy Mayfair and wife, Tami

By default, learning about myself helped me better him, and he helped better me

Read Billy Mayfair and wife, Tami's Story

Percy and Amelie working with John Smith, owner and coach at New Strength Adaptive Fitness

Cassie H. and her children, Amelie and Percy

Fortunately, I get the honor of witnessing so many breakthrough moments and personal wins – both big and small.

Read Cassie H. and her children, Amelie and Percy 's Story

Smiling young woman in Minnie Mouse ears posing with a man in a blue jersey holding pink Minnie plush toys

Logan D. and her brother, Isaac

Isaac and I have never shared a spoken conversation but our relationship is deeper than anything language could express.

Read Logan D. and her brother, Isaac's Story

Smiling couple holding a newborn baby wrapped in white blanket against a light background

Concepcion, Jury and Justice

Remember, it’s okay to pause and take a break — that doesn’t make us bad parents. We’re only human, and we get tired too. Finding balance is essential, both for ourselves and for our children.

Read Concepcion, Jury and Justice's Story

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If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism.

- Dr. Stephen Shore

Join us now and fuel a movement that drives impact where it’s needed most.

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