Autism Organizations: Connecting Families to Support
February 1, 2024 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Autism Awareness
What are the best autism organizations? Explore some of the best autism organizations providing support and resources. This article highlights organizations dedicated to assisting individuals with autism and their families.
What are the best autism organizations?
There are several reputable autism organizations that provide valuable resources, support, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families. Here are some of the prominent autism organizations that connect families to support:
Autism Speaks:
- Website: Autism Speaks
- One of the largest autism advocacy organizations, Autism Speaks focuses on research, awareness, and family services. They provide resources, toolkits, and information on autism.
Autism Society of America (ASA):
- Website: Autism Society
- ASA is a leading grassroots autism organization that promotes advocacy, education, and support for individuals with autism and their families. They offer local chapters and resources.
National Autism Association (NAA):
- Website: National Autism Association
- NAA provides support, education, and advocacy for families affected by autism. They focus on safety concerns, wandering prevention, and emergency preparedness.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR):
- Website: OAR
- OAR is dedicated to funding research and providing resources to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. They offer guides and support for parents and educators.
Autism Society of America (ASA):
- Website: Autism Society
- ASA is a leading grassroots autism organization that promotes advocacy, education, and support for individuals with autism and their families. They offer local chapters and resources.
Autism Research Institute (ARI):
- Website: Autism Research Institute
- ARI focuses on research, treatment, and education related to autism. They provide information on biomedical interventions and alternative treatments.
Global Autism Project:
- Website: Global Autism Project
- This organization works to build local capacity for autism services worldwide. They provide training, support, and resources to professionals in underserved communities.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN):
- Website: ASAN
- ASAN is an organization run by and for autistic individuals, promoting self-advocacy, inclusion, and acceptance. They focus on policy advocacy and provide resources for the autism community.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC):
- Website: CEC - Autism and Developmental Disabilities Division
- CEC provides resources and support for professionals working with individuals with exceptionalities, including autism.
Interactive Autism Network (IAN):
- Website: IAN - Kennedy Krieger Institute
- IAN collects and shares information on autism through research, surveys, and a community network. They aim to improve the understanding of autism and support families.
When seeking support, it's essential to explore local resources, as well. Many regions have autism-specific organizations, support groups, and services that can provide assistance tailored to the needs of your family and community.
Best-known and Reputable Autism Organizations:
There are many great autism organizations around the world, but some of the most well-known and reputable include:
Global:
- Autism Speaks: Focuses on research, advocacy, and awareness.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Provides resources and data on autism globally.
- Autism Science Foundation (ASF): Funds autism research projects.
- Autism Society International (ASI): Network of autism organizations worldwide.
United States:
- Autism Society of America (ASA): Offers support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families.
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): Led by autistic adults, advocates for the rights and self-determination of autistic people.
- The Arc: Supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.
- National Autism Association (NAA): Provides information and resources for families and professionals.
United Kingdom:
- National Autistic Society (NAS): Provides support, resources, and advocacy for autistic people and their families in the UK.
- Ambitious about Autism: Supports autistic young people and adults.
Important Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other excellent organizations dedicated to autism around the world. It's important to research and choose organizations that align with your specific needs and interests.
Contributions of Autism Organizations:
Here are some of the ways autism organizations contribute to research, support, and awareness:
Research:
- Funding research projects
- Conducting their own research studies
- Advocating for increased government funding for autism research
- Disseminating research findings to the public and professionals
Support:
- Providing resources and information to individuals with autism and their families
- Offering support groups and other social activities
- Advocating for better services and access to healthcare and education
- Providing training and support to professionals who work with autistic people
Awareness:
- Running public awareness campaigns
- Educating the media and public about autism
- Promoting acceptance and understanding of autistic people
- Challenging negative stereotypes about autism
Collaborative Efforts:
Yes, there are many collaborative efforts between different autism organizations. Some examples include:
- Autism Speaks Autism Speaks Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit: This initiative brings together different organizations to provide resources and support to newly diagnosed families.
- Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC): A U.S. government committee that brings together different stakeholders to coordinate autism activities.
- Autism Society International (ASI) Global Autism Public Health Initiative (GPHI): This initiative works to improve the lives of autistic people around the world by promoting collaboration between organizations.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other collaborative efforts taking place around the world.
