As we head into 2024, I would like to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to our incredible supporters, volunteers and staff for their unwavering commitment to our mission and the autism community over the past year.
Our ability to do all the work that we do for this incredible community would not be possible without the support of people like YOU. Your generosity is making an impact, not only on the lives of people on the spectrum, but on their entire family and network of support – parents, siblings, relatives, friends and caregivers that travel the lifelong journey with autistic loved ones. And, not only in the United States but around the world.
Last year, with your support, we:
- Created the first-of-its-kind "Autism by the Numbers," a nationwide database to pinpoint gaps in care, spotlight what works, and fuel advocacy to drive change.
- Relaunched Workplace Inclusion Now™, our workforce development program, and initiated a nationwide outreach campaign to educate employers on the need and benefits of diverse and inclusive hiring practices.
- Led “The Autism and Older Age Consortium” in collaboration with UNC and UCLA to address the unique challenges faced by older adults with autism.
- Exponentially grew our nationwide resource guide providing families with increased access to thousands of support services.
- Released the first clinician guide for treating severe behaviors in autism —addressing a critical gap in health equity.
- Collaborated with the World Health Organization and UNICEF on a groundbreaking report for global change to support inclusion and equality for all children with disabilities, including autism.
- Leveraged our assets to elevate and amplify the work of service providers, researchers, self-advocates, and others to accelerate change.
We were proud to be recognized by Charity Navigator as a 4-star charity, the highest rating a nonprofit organization can receive, and a testament to the importance we place on being good stewards of the assets you have entrusted in our care.
With you by our side, we are inspired to remain firm and fearless in our resolve to create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. Thank you for all that you do and all that you make possible.
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy New Year!
With gratitude,
Keith Wargo
President & CEO
Autism Speaks
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