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Monthly Mission Spotlight

In this Monthly Mission Spotlight, Autism Speaks is proud to celebrate our wins in advocacy, research and services and supports. We have taken strides in making the gaming industry more inclusive for people with autism, advocating for greater federal funding of autism research and services, and sharing life-changing research with underserved communities. 

Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism

Autism Speaks and Valhallan team up to make gaming more inclusive 

Esports organization Valhallan, proud sponsor of Autism Speaks, hosted its first annual “Rise to Ragnarök” competition providing inclusive gaming opportunities for children, teens and adults with autism. Comedian, former NFL player and Autism Speaks advocate Joe Barksdale joined the event on Saturday as a commentator during one of the livestreamed games. Valhallan is taking steps for its arenas to receive the Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation, our certification program awarded to companies that demonstrate a commitment to  providing the highest level of inclusive customer service.  

Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the lifespan

Autism Speaks celebrates milestone advocacy wins for the autism community 

The hard work of the Autism Speaks Advocacy team and our Advocacy Ambassadors recently came to fruition with the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The bill expands the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, improves access to autism care by increasing funding for training opportunities to future health professionals, and calls for increased investment in autism research. Learn more about this bill and read up on our top advocacy wins of 2022.

Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs

Autism Speaks and CAAAC host research conference for Chinese American community 

This December, the Chinese American Association for Autistic Community (CAAAC), in collaboration with Autism Speaks, hosted its inaugural conference on autism across the life span in NYC. The event helped raise awareness of autism in the Chinese American community and gave researchers an opportunity to share learnings about autism screening, family interventions, mental health and more. Learn more. 

Your support is invaluable 

We value your dedication to the autism community and want to take every opportunity to thank you. Look for our 2023 Supporter Card acknowledgment in the mail. Use it to start conversations with friends and family about your commitment to children, teens and adults with autism. Your kindness is a beacon to families and your generosity helps fuel progress. We’ll also have a little surprise “thank you” waiting when you make a gift online today. And don’t forget to share your connection to Autism Speaks with your followers on social media.  

Join Autism Speaks and engage with clinical and professional experts 

National Pathways to Early Intervention and Support Free Webinar 

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 
12:00 p.m. EST 

Register now

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