About Us

Who is ASA?

Founded in 1965, the Autism Society of America is the oldest and largest nationwide grassroots autism organization.  ASA mission areas include:

Advocacy

ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum.  ASA advocates on the local, state and federal levels.

Education

ASA offers a comprehensive website including AutismSource, a nationwide directory of services and supports.  ASA annually hosts the largest national conference on autism spectrum disorders.

Support

ASA’s nationwide network of local chapters provides community support and education to families, people on the spectrum and professionals.

Service

ASA is dedicated to increasing access and availability of appropriate services for those on the autism spectrum across the lifespan.

Research

ASA is a leader in the support id identifying and fostering treatment – guided research initiatives.  ASA is committed foremost to translating research results into applied practices that improve the everyday lives of those on the autism spectrum.

Mission

Improving the lives of all affected by autism.

Vision

Autism Society of America (ASA) is the leading voice and resources of the entire autism community in education, advocacy, services, research, and support. The ASA is committed to meaningful participation and self-determination in all aspects of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. ASA accomplishes its ongoing mission through close collaboration with a successful network of chapters, members, supporters and organizations.

Guide Principals

• Efforts focused on meaningful participation in self-determination in all aspects of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families
  
• Promote individual, parental, and guardian choice to assure that people on the autism spectrum are treated with dignity and respect.
  
• Proactively inform, influence, guide and develop public policy makers and legislators, for the benefit of the Autism community.
  
• Be the respected voice of the Autism community and the primary source for information by providing timely, frequent, relevant, and professional communications.
  
• Work to ensure that every chapter is a successful chapter, sustained by a collaborative relationship between the national office and the chapters to realize mutual benefit and to protect the interest of both.
  
• Advocate for multi-disciplined approaches to Autism research focused on improving the quality of life for individuals across the autism spectrum and their families.
  
• Ensure financial self-sufficiency and growth for all ASA operating units and integrated operation across all levels of ASA.

Primary Roles

The primary roles of the organization are:

• Advocacy
  
• Education
  
• Services and Support
  
• Research

By Laws for Frederick ASA