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.

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.

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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!

TODAY's Carson Daly features Autism Speaks' Chefs on the Spectrum with Franklin Becker and Joe Valentino

5.29.26

TODAY's Carson Daly shines a light on chef Franklin Becker and Autism Speaks' Chefs on the Spectrum program

TODAY's Carson Daly spotlights Autism Speaks' Chef on the Spectrum, spearheaded by chef and board member, Franklin Becker, and empowering autistic

5.19.26

Request for applications: Research on cardiovascular health in autism

The American Heart Association (AHA), in partnership with Autism Speaks, is announcing its 2027 Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships.

5.15.26

Autism Speaks calls for action after Georgia Governor limits waiver funding

Autism Speaks is urging action after Governor Brian Kemp directed the state agency to implement only a fraction of the waiver expansion approved by

animation of a man pointing at a screen with data and charts

4.29.26

A new Autism Speaks dashboard tracks how NIH autism research funding aligns with the priorities in the Autism CARES Act

The Autism CARES Act explicitly calls for research that improves quality of life across the lifespan in areas such as safety and well-being, caregiver

4.24.26

Study finds autism risk genes are shared across countries

A new Nature study suggests that the genes linked to autism are largely consistent across people from different ancestral backgrounds.

group of friends with their arms around each others backs

4.24.26

Study finds autism diagnosis gender gap may be smaller than previously thought

A large population-based study from Sweden published in the BMJ suggests that the gap in autism diagnoses between males and females may be much

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

Cooper uses a tool to open a yellow fire hydrant, releasing flowing water while three others stand nearby

Cooper J. | 19 years old

Helping people really is a good feeling. Knowing that I can be there for someone in the back of an ambulance during one of the most difficult moments of their life—and show what autistic people can do—means a lot to me.

Read Cooper J.'s Story

Cathey, RN, in a nurse's coat and cowboy hat, holding flowers in a decorated hallway.

Cathey W. | 59 years old

My first response to my younger self would be to give that little girl a big hug. Then I would tell her to stop trying to change herself to fit into the world around her because she is absolutely special on her own.

Read Cathey W.'s Story

Learning the real stories of the newest Champions of Change

Read 's Story

Aarti Garg laughing and holding a microphone while wearing a light blue off the shoulder dress at a public speaking event

Aarti Garg | 35 years old

Do not find a reason not to do something, find the reason TO do something.

Read Aarti Garg's Story

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

- Dr. Stephen Shore