Autism Society of America
The ASA Focuses on Autism Research, Awareness, and Support
The United State's leading autism organization, the Autism Society of America, is dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by autism.
One of the United State’s oldest and most respected autism organizations is the Autism Society of America (ASA). The ASA was founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, who also founded the Autism Research Institute, Dr. Ruth Sullivan, and other parents of autistic children.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the ASA holds an annual conference and exposition, helps to promote autism awareness, works with legislators to enact autism legislation, and more. Read on to learn about the Autism Society of America.
ASA’s Mission
The ASA operates under a set of guiding principles that fall under the mission statement of “improving the lives of all affected by autism.” This mission statement is geared not only towards individuals with autism but also parents, caregivers, educators, and other autism professionals. The Autism Society of America separates its missions into the following areas: advocacy, education, support, services, and research.
Environmental Factors and Autism
Understanding the complex nature of autism spectrum disorders, the ASA does not focus research dollars solely on studying genetic causes of autism. “ASA’s Environmental Health Project, established in 2006, aims to further our understanding of possible environmental contributors to autism and other health issues, and to continue to build a grassroots community to continue research into and awareness of the effect of environmental influences on autism.”
ASA Chapters
The Autism Society of America has chapters located across the United States as well as in Puerto Rico. From the ASA website, “ASA chapters are your best source of information and support. Most chapters are volunteer-led by parents, care providers and other professionals.”
Awards and Scholarships
On an annual basis, the ASA presents a variety of awards and scholarships through its member chapters. Some of the top awards are ASA Chapter of the Year, ASA Volunteer of the Year, and the ASA Audrey I. Horne Memorial Award. Cash awards and scholarships are given to the Parent/Parents of the Year, the Autism Professional of the Year, the Autism Program of the Year, and to the Outstanding Individual with Autism of the Year.
The CVS/All Kids Can Scholar Program provides a $1,000 scholarship to an individual with autism who has been admitted to an accredited post-secondary school. Winners for these awards and scholarships are announced at the ASA’s National Conference held every summer.
The ASA Foundation
Created in 1996 to address the need for expanded research of autism spectrum disorders, the ASA Foundation supports scientists' goals to understand everything related to autism. The ASA Foundation supports both applied research and studies looking into the biomedical approaches to autism.
With its strong history, the Autism Society of America is in position to continue to be the leading autism organization in the United States for years to come. Autism spectrum disorders are being diagnosed at a rate of 1 in 150 children in the United States, the Autism Society of America is there to provide all affected by autism with support and information.
Source: The Autism Society of America Website
