There Are Organizations That Helps Raise Autism Awareness

Autism Society of America

The Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks are two of the many organizations that work to raise autism awareness. Organizations of this type work hard to bring awareness of these disorders to a heightened level and to raise money that will support research. It is necessary to continue research, as not all of the information that is needed has been found, yet it is possible for a treatment breakthrough to be found that might some day lead to a cure.

The Autism Society of America, or ASA, began in 1965 by founder Bernard Rimland, Phd. The ASA is actually the largest, not to mention the oldest grassroots organization, in the autism community. Today, the ASA is well on its way to having over 200 nationwide chapters and has well over 120,000 members and supporters, all dedicated to raising autism awareness. Autism Speaks is an advocacy organization, based in New York City, which also works to raise the awareness level of autism and to promote research. This organization was founded in February of 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, with the hope of finding a cure for the different autism spectrum disorders. The Wright's became seriously interested in the disorders after their grandson was diagnosed with autism.

The month of April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. During April, U.S. television shows dedicate episodes to different aspects of autistic disorders. Also, many companies and organizations have teamed up to raise awareness for autism disorders and funds to help with research. In December 2007, a resolution that declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day was passed by the United Nations. Having awareness raised to these levels is extremely important if huge strides will ever be made in solving the autism puzzle.

It is important to raise autism awareness to both allow individuals to understand these disorders and to help raise the needed funds for more extensive research, and hopefully someday, develop a cure. If you have a family member who has been stricken by one of these disorders, then you totally understand how important this research can be. There are those in the world whose lives have not been touched by these issues and may not fully understand the importance of finding a cure. Organizations, such as The ASA and AS, work to heighten the awareness level of autism. Hopefully, a cure will be found one day.