Building upon the legacy of three leading autism organizations, Autism Coalition for Research and Education (ACRE), the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), who merged with the organization, Autism Speaks has made extraordinary advancements in the autism community.
Chief among these are increased global awareness of autism, better understanding of the breadth of the autism spectrum, and advocacy to increase research and access to care and support.
Today, Autism Speaks is dedicated to advancing research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions both through direct funding and collaboration.
These goals can only be achieved through work in communities nationwide, at the federal level and globally by working with partners, governments and other organizations.
It will require an inclusive approach that values diversity and individual needs. We will work in partnership with those who share our goals, ambitions, and values.
It is clear that the mission of Autism Speaks will require the organization to grow in new ways and build capacity to be a sustaining organization to accelerate progress in science and support people with autism and their families over a lifetime.
This will require investment in people, infrastructure and process in order to operate as a best in class non-profit organization.