Comprehensive Autism Legislation Introduced in U.S. Congress

Today, Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Autism Treatment and Acceleration Act of 2009 (ATAA). The Autism Society of America applauds this comprehensive autism legislation focused around enhancing quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Read more ...

ASA Calls for Global Recognition of Human Rights for Individuals with ASD

Today marks the second World Autism Awareness Day, as recognized by the United Nations, and on this occasion the Autism Society of America is calling on the nations of the world to support its Declaration of the Human Rights of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, the U.N. presented a panel discussion on “Autism and Human Rights: Understanding and Safeguarding the Rights of People with Autism” at its headquarters in New York. Lee Grossman, ASA President and CEO, was one of the distinguished panel speakers from across the globe, along with Dr. Stephen Shore, an ASA Board of Directors member and individual with autism. Read more …

AMC Entertainment^® and the Autism Society of America Announce Partnership

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society of America (ASA) announced at the ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas today, World Autism Awareness Day, a formal commitment to their current partnership that aims to include people with autism in their community through work and play. For nearly a year, the two organizations have brought a pilot program to communities across the United States, giving families affected by autism a chance to go to the movies together - most for the first time. Now, with the formalization of their partnership, the two organizations will continue to bring the popular AMC Sensory Friendly Films^TM program to families while planning for a workforce program to address the needs of those children as they grow up. Read more …

What is the Culture of Autism?

The April edition of the Autism Advocate, the Autism Society of America’s flagship magazine, was released this week and dedicates its entire content to authors and artists with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The authors discuss everyday issues, such as parenting, relationships and even shopping, all from the perspective of people with ASD. Through the articles and artwork showcased, the magazine endeavors to celebrate and bring to light the diversity and varied accomplishments of people on the autism spectrum, and challenge the public to look at a new feature of autism—its growing cultural aspects. Read more …