Autism Society of Washington

Established in 1974, ASW is the oldest Autism support organization in the State of Washington. ASW is a 501(c)3 non-profit and an Affiliate of the Autism Society of America. We are responsible for all of our own funding to sustain us as a non-profit. An affiliate nonprofit is a not-for-profit organization that is connected to or part of a larger charitable organization. This larger organization is recognized under a specific section of the U.S. tax code (501(c)(3)) as a tax-exempt charity. An affiliate nonprofit can also be a separate, independent organization that works closely with a bigger nonprofit. Basically this means we are under the larger umbrella of the Autism Society of America but we are responsible for our own affiliate and we must remain in good standing to keep our affiliate going. We rely on donations, fundraising, and grants. We would love to bring in more financial support to sustain our programs. All current board members are unpaid volunteers. We are proud to offer free membership because we believe in making our resources and community accessible to everyone. By removing financial barriers, we ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to engage, grow, and benefit from what we offer. Our mission is to create an inclusive space where all voices are heard and valued, and offering free membership is one way we can support that vision.

The Autism Society of Washington was once one of the largest autism organizations in the state. Over the years, we have gone through many changes, and now, we are in a time of rebuilding. As we move forward, we are focused on forging new connections and creating an organization that truly respects and learns from lived experiences. Our commitment is to be a resource and support system that reflects the diverse voices within the autism community. There is still a big gap in supports for Autistics in Washington State, especially in rural areas. Too often teens and adults fall through the cracks. Too often, decisions and choices are made by people who don't include Autistic individuals, so their voices aren't heard. Many areas and marginalized individuals do not have access to the appropriate healthcare, Mental health resources, and support they need. We are proud to be Autistic-led, and we want our board to include and reflect our commitment to Autistics in Washington State.