Philanthropy

Did you know?
• Autism is a devastating neurological disorder that impairs – often severely – an individual’s ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and relate to their surroundings.
• It is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the nation.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects 1 in 150 children, 1 in 94 boys today, compared to 1 to 10,000 just thirteen years ago.
• 1.5 million people are affected in the U.S., and tens of millions worldwide.
• 3 children are diagnosed every hour; 24,000 each year.
• Despite these statistics, autism research remains severely underfunded.
• Autism receives only three-tenths of 1 percent of NIH funding.
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined.

About Autism:

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, affecting 1 in 150 children born today. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe. Despite the high prevalence and growing health care costs associated with caring for a child with autism, autism research receives less than 5% of the research funding of many other, less prevalent, childhood diseases.

About Autism Speaks:

At Autism Speaks, their goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.  They are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. They are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals.

Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is their firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.  No other organization offers the nationwide, comprehensive mission funding Research, Awareness, Advocacy and Community Services. As such, Autism Speaks serves as the national umbrella for the entire autism community. Autism Speaks unique approach works to advance the science, provide a united voice for the community, and invites the general public in to become part of their crusade.

For more information, visit Autism Speaks.