About Autism speaks
Autism Speaks: Promoting Solutions for Individuals with Autism and Their Families
Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families. The organization was founded in 2005 by Bob Wright, the former CEO of NBC Universal, and his wife Suzanne Wright, who passed away in 2016. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has been dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism across the spectrum and throughout their lifespan.
The mission of Autism Speaks is to enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. The organization works towards achieving this goal by funding research into causes, prevention, treatments, and a cure for autism; increasing awareness about autism spectrum disorders; advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families; providing resources and support services; and collaborating with other organizations to advance its mission.
One of the primary objectives of Autism Speaks is to fund research into understanding the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) better. The organization believes that finding out what causes ASD will help develop more effective treatments that can improve outcomes for individuals on the spectrum. To this end, Autism Speaks has invested over $230 million in research since its inception.
The research funded by Autism Speaks covers various areas such as genetics, environmental factors, brain development, early intervention strategies, behavioral therapies as well as medical treatments. Some notable achievements include identifying several genes associated with ASD risk factors through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), developing new diagnostic tools such as eye-tracking technology that can detect early signs of ASD in infants before symptoms appear fully developed.
Another critical aspect where Autism speaks focuses on is raising awareness about ASD among communities worldwide. Through various campaigns like Light It Up Blue or World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), they aim at educating people about what it means to have an autistic child or family member while also highlighting some common misconceptions surrounding this condition.
In addition to raising awareness about ASD globally through campaigns like Light It Up Blue or World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), they also provide resources such as toolkits designed specifically for parents/caregivers who have children diagnosed on the spectrum so they can learn how best support them at home/school/workplace etc., online courses/webinars aimed at educating professionals working within fields related directly/indirectly towards supporting those affected by ASDs including teachers/therapists/social workers etc.,
Furthermore,Autism speaks advocates tirelessly on behalf not only those living directly impacted but also indirectly affected by these conditions including siblings/friends/family members/caregivers etc., They work closely alongside policymakers both nationally/internationally ensuring policies are put into place which reflect needs/wants/desires expressed from those living directly impacted while also taking account wider societal implications too.
Finally,Autism speaks collaborates closely alongside other organizations working within fields related directly/indirectly towards supporting those affected by ASDs including schools/hospitals/research institutions/government agencies/non-profits etc., This collaboration helps ensure maximum impact achieved when addressing issues affecting those living directly impacted while also taking account wider societal implications too.
In conclusion,Autism speaks has made significant strides since its inception towards improving outcomes not only just those living directly impacted but indirectly affected too.Autism speaks continues pushing boundaries further than ever before ensuring all voices heard loud clear when it comes addressing issues affecting everyone touched these conditions whether personally/professionally/community level alike!