Our mission

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.

Ensure access to reliable information and services across the lifespan

• Expand resources and empower people with best practice services
• Bring autism education and inclusion to the forefront
• Foster and amplify innovative autism work
• Ensure culturally competent and accessible resources

Support research and innovation to improve quality of life

• Bridge basic, clinical and social sciences to drive personalized health care
• Increase federal funding in research and supports
• Escalate research in challenging behavior, special care needs and aging process
• Expand global open science infrastructure

Convene the work of service providers through advocacy, partnering and collaboration

• Leverage our assets to expand access to information and supports
• Partner with external experts to expand quality of care
• Work together to address gaps and opportunities
• Enhance support for those with challenging behaviors

Speed delivery of solutions for adult quality of life needs

• Drive support for transition, housing and aging programs
• Grow employer-demand side of Workplace Inclusion Now™
• Promote inclusive, welcoming communities to enhance autistic adults quality of life
• Expand resources for autistic adults and their caregivers

Promote diversity, equity, access and inclusion in all actions and partnerships

• Engage the voice of autistic adults
• Enhance Autism Speaks internal culture
• Strengthen multi-cultural relationships

Autism Speaks was founded in 2005. Merging with three leading autism organizations and building upon their legacy, Autism Speaks collaborative efforts have resulted in: