Over the last 35 years, the National Autism Society has developed into the leading source of information and referral on autism. Today over 20,000 national members are connected through a working network of local chapters in every state.
Our local chapter provides a monthly newsletter to over 600 professionals, families and interested individuals as well as monthly meetings, a lending library, support and educational information for families or anyone interested in autism spectrum disorder.
The mission of the Autism Society is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully included, participating members of their communities through advocacy, public awareness, education and research related to autism.
Recognizing and respecting the diverse range of opinions, needs and desires of this group, Autism Society embraces an overall philosophy which chooses to empower individuals with autism, their parents or caregivers, to make choices best suited to the needs of the person with autism. At the very core of the parent choice philosophy is the belief that no single program or treatment will benefit all individuals with autism. Furthermore, the recommendation of what is "best" or "most effective" for a person with autism should be determined by those people directly involved - the individual with autism, to the extent possible, and the parents or family members. Providing information and education to help in decision-making are more highly regarded at the Autism Society than is advocating for one particular theory or philosophy.
