Articles

young boy with blonde hair and glasses wearing a Boy Scout uniform
Blog
1.30.2019

No matter where you are on the spectrum, your accomplishments matter

Click here to read about how Boy Scouts helped an autistic child, Zachary, become independent and learn how to initiate conversation.
A young man stands in front of his new home, surrounded by his family, friends, and carers.
Advocacy News
1.27.2019

Money Follows the Person Program is extended!

The Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019 was signed into law, extending the Money Follows the Person Program for 3 months.
Press Release
1.18.2019

Autism Speaks elects three business leaders to its national board

NEW YORK (January 18, 2019) – Autism Speaks, which is dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span for people
Woman with her head down in a pink room
Blog
1.17.2019

Remember these 3 words if someone stares at you during a meltdown

Kerry Magro shares tips on what to do if someone stares at your during a meltdown. Read more.
Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty's son Justin on the boardwalk
Blog
1.16.2019

As my son with autism starts aging out of services, we will start taking chances

Kimberlee worries about the challenges her autistic son will face when he enters adulthood and how she will help him. Click here to read more.
cloud in the sky
Life on the Spectrum
1.15.2019

From denial to acceptance: Diagnosed with autism at 24

I slowly came to accept my diagnosis by connecting with others on the spectrum. I started attending social skills and support groups.
image courtesy Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders
News
1.14.2019

Autism study finds high rates of unmet healthcare needs; suggests public policy solutions

An Autism Speaks analysis of national survey identifies barriers to care and provides guidance for new programs to address needs across the lifespan
Andrew at an Autism Speaks Walk holding a stuffed bear and blue pom-pom
Blog
1.7.2019

This is my story of my life with autism

Andrew Collins, a 19-year-old on the autism spectrum shares the story of his life with autism saying, "I am not broken or stupid and I work hard to
Ryan and Bekki - bloggers
Life on the Spectrum
1.4.2019

Just because you can’t see our autism, doesn’t mean we don’t have challenges

As with any other person with autism, we still have significant challenges in our everyday lives that stand in the way of us living a comfortable life
unsplash bullying
Life on the Spectrum
1.2.2019

I want to see more autism acceptance in schools to put an end to bullying

Words aren’t harmless. They can hurt our loved ones. 
Ainsworth smiling
Blog
12.21.2018

How I took Christmas back for my son on the autism spectrum

Despite all of the time and effort that goes into it, this mom decided to host all holidays at her house to best accommodate her autistic son.
Seana and Ethan Wheeler in front of a Christmas tree
Blog
12.19.2018

A special Christmas letter to my brother with autism

Christmas is Ethan's favorite holiday and his sister Seana embraces his love for it whole-heartedly, and wanted to express that in this letter.
Autism Speaks Consensus Conference on next steps in research on cannabis and autism
News
12.19.2018

Autism Speaks hosts first scientific conference on cannabis and autism

Researchers, regulators and community stakeholders convene to guide future studies on cannabis-related products for autism and its associated medical
Autism Speaks research program
News
12.19.2018

Autism Speaks funds promising new treatment and diagnostic studies

Research to advance personalized wandering interventions; target a cause of early communication challenges; and deliver practical autism-screening for
two young boys in Halloween costumes
Blog
12.18.2018

A mom shares advice for newly diagnosed

Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty, mother to two sons on the autism, shares advice for parents who have just received their child's autism diagnosis. Read
Ainsworth, Kenny and Everett in front of a white Christmas tree
Blog
12.12.2018

How my son with autism played the most important role after our tragic loss

The unthinkable happened. My beloved sixteen-year-old niece, who was the heartbeat of our family, passed away in a horrific accident. The first thing