Autism Advocacy

For certain children and adults, figuring out how to build a life while having autism can be a confusing process. By supporting the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the world can be shaped into a more inclusive and understanding place as an increasing amount of resources are made available to help empower and encourage autistic communities through their life experiences.

Who are they:

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN was created to serve as a national grassroots disability rights organization for the autistic community, advocating for systems change and ensuring that the voices of autistic people are heard in policy debates and the halls of power. ASAN’s members and supporters include autistic adults and youth, cross-disability advocates, and non-autistic family members, professionals, educators, and friends.

How they help serve the Autistic community:

Their activities include public policy advocacy, the development of Autistic cultural activities, and leadership trainings for autistic self-advocates.

Their staff work to advance civil rights, support self-advocacy in all its forms and improve public perceptions of autism. They provide information about autism, disability rights, and systems change to the public through a number of different educational, cultural, and advocacy-related projects.

What is their vision:

“We seek to ensure the meaningful involvement of autistic individuals in making policy at all levels, to promote a culture of inclusion and respect for all, to enforce the rights of autistic people to equal opportunity at school and at work, and to improve funding for community services and support systems along with research into how they can best be provided.”