In April, World Autism Month, Autism Speaks supported the autistic community through public health, services and supports, and advocacy efforts. We celebrated the official launch of the Caregiver Skills Training (CST) program, which educates families in low-resource areas on how to provide quality care for their autistic loved ones. In addition, Autism Speaks awarded over $486,000 to 114 organizations in 31 states working to create social and educational opportunities for autistic people across the life span. These initiatives continue to drive us closer to our vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.

Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions

Autism Speaks and WHO host the Caregiver Skills Training program launch event
Childhood developmental disorders are a growing challenge to healthcare systems around the globe, with many children in underserved areas struggling to access quality care and timely interventions. In response to this need, the World Health Organization (WHO), with support from Autism Speaks, developed the CST program. On April 28, Autism Speaks and WHO hosted the CST launch event, bringing together lawmakers from around the world to share information about the program. Watch the launch event and learn how CST changed one family’s life for the better.

Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs

New study shows increase in global prevalence of autism
A new study published in Autism Research, and supported in part by Autism Speaks science staff, shows that about 100 in 10,000 (or 1 in 100) children around the world are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is an increase from the 2012 global prevalence report which found that 62 in 10,000 children were autistic. These findings reflect major improvements in public awareness and public health response to autism. Learn more.

Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the lifespan

Autism Speaks announces grant funding to support local autism programs
Autism Speaks’ grant programs offer funding for organizations providing social and educational experiences to autistic people across the life span. This year, we are proud to announce that 114 organizations across 31 states were awarded grant funding of up to $5,000 through the Autism Speaks Norma and Malcom Baker Recreation Grants. We are also opening applications for a new cycle of Local Impact Grants. Since 2013, Autism Speaks has awarded over $3 million in Local Impact Grants to more than 500 organizations across the country serving tens of thousands of autistic people, their caregivers and families, teachers, therapists, and peers.

Maryland bill to reduce Autism Waiver list passed!
This legislative session, the Autism Speaks Advocacy team has been working to pass SB636, a bill that would reduce the Maryland Autism Waiver waiting list by 50%. The Autism Waiver provides a wide array of supports on which many autistic children and their families rely, but waiting lists to receive these services can be as long as 8 or 9 years. The bill has passed both houses and is now onto the governor for signing. You can help advocate for the bill today.

Improving the transition to adulthood

Listen to our new podcast!
On the latest "Adulting on the Spectrum” podcast, hosts Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb speak with Chloe Rothschild, an autistic adult who is on a mission to advocate and teach others about autism from her perspective. In this episode, Chloe shares her experience with applied behavior analysis (ABA) as an adult, the skills she has learned and ways she makes ABA work for her. Learn more.

Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism

Autism Speaks works to make faith communities more inclusive
Blue Blessings is an Autism Speaks initiative aimed at creating a more accepting, understanding and inclusive environment for children, adults and families affected by autism spectrum disorder in places of worship. Our Blue Blessings autism-friendly guidebook was created to help faith communities embrace people with autism and those who love them through small changes that can make a big difference. Learn more.