Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Recognizing the need for a powerful voice Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization.

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.

Our Vision

A world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.

Our Impact

Autism Speaks is enhancing lives tod?ay and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.

Our Mission

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

Through partnerships and collaboration, we are committed to: 
 

• Increasing global understanding & acceptance of people with autism
• Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs
• Increasing early childhood screening & timely interventions
• Improving the transition to adulthood
• Ensuring access to reliable information & services throughout the life span

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.

Our DEAI Vision and Purpose

At Autism Speaks, we are working to achieve a world where all people with autism, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, can reach their full potential - inclusive of all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, and belief systems.

Potential is unique to each individual and we strive to serve everyone with autism and their families by improving the representation of this diverse community in our content, expanding the reach of our resources and increasing inclusive practices in our workplace. Deeply ingrained in the Autism Speaks mission is a commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible world for those we serve. By enhancing our solutions, embracing culture and elevating diversity inside and outside of our organization, we can guide individuals and families to more relevant resources that can help them overcome obstacles they may encounter and reach their full potential.

Join our team!

When you work for Autism Speaks, you’re part of a dedicated team of people who work every day to create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. Help us enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow by joining our team.