Autism Society of America

Autism Society of America
Founded1965
FoundersBernard Rimland,[1] Ruth C. Sullivan, and others
Legal status501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
HeadquartersRockville, Maryland, United States
Lori A. Ireland[2]
Christopher Banks
SubsidiariesAutism Society of America Foundation[3]
Revenue (2013)
$2,396,020[3]
Expenses (2013)$2,378,089[3]
Endowment$50,000[3]
Employees27[3] (in 2013)
Volunteers (2013)
20[3]
Websitewww.autismsociety.org
Formerly called
National Society for Autistic Children[4]

The Autism Society of America (ASA) was founded in 1965[5] by Bernard Rimland[1] together with Ruth C. Sullivan and a small group of other parents of children with autism. Its original name was the National Society for Autistic Children;[4] the name was changed to emphasize that autistic children grow up. The ASA's stated goal is to increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by autistic people as well as their families and the professionals with whom they interact.[6] Although the group has promoted the pseudoscientific belief that vaccines cause autism in the past, it now affirms that there is no link between vaccination and autism.[7] In 2021, the ASA launched a new brand including a logo consisting of multicolor lines forming a fabric with a new slogan, "The Connection Is You".[8]

  1. ^ a b "Some Key Dates in Autism History". The Washington Post July 1, 2008. p. F5.
  2. ^ "[1]". Autism Society of America. Accessed on March 26, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax". Autism Society of America. Guidestar. December 31, 2013.
  4. ^ a b Campbell, Susan. "A place for miracles? Institute offers option for autistic children". St. Petersburg Times. April 13, 1988.
  5. ^ "About the Autism Society". Autism Society. Retrieved 2019-02-25.
  6. ^ "Autism Organizations". Autism Key. January 2011. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  7. ^ "Statement of the Autism Society of America on Vaccine Safety". Autism Society. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  8. ^ "Autism Society's New Brand Launch". 15 November 2021.