Autism Society of America
Encyclopedia
The Autism Society of America (ASA) was founded in 1965 by Bernard Rimland
, PhD, together with Ruth C. Sullivan
and a small group of other parents of autistic children. Its original name was the National Society for Autistic Children; the name was changed to emphasize that children with autism grow up. It claims to be the oldest and largest grassroots
organization in the autism community
with over 50,000 members and supporters connected through a network of nearly 200 chapters in the United States
. The ASA's goal is to increase public awareness about autism
and the day-to-day issues faced by autistics as well as their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The organization advocates for programs and services for the autism community, and claims to be a leading source of information, research, and reference on the condition.
disorders where families and professionals share what they know and have learned through research and experience. It publishes The Autism Advocate, a print periodical offering information on research, legislation, and tips on living with autism as well as ASA-Net a free biweekly e-newsletter.
Successes in the political arena include the launch of a number of pieces of legislation aimed at protecting the rights of individuals with autism and mandating services for them, especially education. This also includes bills to raise awareness of and appropriating funds for research into the causes of and treatments for autism. The ASA's work in Washington, D.C.
has helped put autism on Congress' health care agenda resulting in millions of dollars devoted to autism research and services.
Bernard Rimland
Bernard Rimland, PhD was an American research psychologist, writer, lecturer, and advocate for autistic children, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental retardation.Based in San Diego, California since 1940, Dr...
, PhD, together with Ruth C. Sullivan
Ruth C. Sullivan
Ruth Christ Sullivan, Ph.D. , is a pioneer in the field of autism, one of the first parents to be active, an organizer and lifelong crusader for education for people with autism.In 1965, Dr. Ruth Sullivan was one of the founders, with Dr...
and a small group of other parents of autistic children. Its original name was the National Society for Autistic Children; the name was changed to emphasize that children with autism grow up. It claims to be the oldest and largest grassroots
Grassroots
A grassroots movement is one driven by the politics of a community. The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it are natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures...
organization in the autism community
Sociological and cultural aspects of autism
Sociological and cultural aspects of autism come into play with recognition of autism, approaches to its support services and therapies, and how autism affects how we define personhood. The autism rights movement is based on a belief that autism is a different way of being and not a disorder to be...
with over 50,000 members and supporters connected through a network of nearly 200 chapters in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The ASA's goal is to increase public awareness about autism
Autism
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...
and the day-to-day issues faced by autistics as well as their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The organization advocates for programs and services for the autism community, and claims to be a leading source of information, research, and reference on the condition.
Advocacy efforts
Since 1970, the ASA has held national conferences on autism spectrumAutism spectrum
The term "autism spectrum" is often used to describe disorders that are currently classified as pervasive developmental disorders. Pervasive developmental disorders include autism, Asperger syndrome, Childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise...
disorders where families and professionals share what they know and have learned through research and experience. It publishes The Autism Advocate, a print periodical offering information on research, legislation, and tips on living with autism as well as ASA-Net a free biweekly e-newsletter.
Successes in the political arena include the launch of a number of pieces of legislation aimed at protecting the rights of individuals with autism and mandating services for them, especially education. This also includes bills to raise awareness of and appropriating funds for research into the causes of and treatments for autism. The ASA's work in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
has helped put autism on Congress' health care agenda resulting in millions of dollars devoted to autism research and services.