Finding the right guidance, services and community can make a significant difference in the lives of people with ASD.
While my charitable work has primarily supported organisations in the UK. I believe it’s important to recognise the incredible work being carried out around the world. The United States is home to many organisations dedicated to improving awareness, providing practical support and funding research that helps autistic people live happier, more independent lives.
As much of my audience is based in the states, here are a few well-established charities and resources that families across the United States may find helpful.
Autism Speaks
One of the largest autism organisations in the United States, Autism Speaks provides a wide range of information, advocacy and family resources.
Its website includes guidance for newly diagnosed families, educational materials, community programmes and information about local services across the country.
Autism Society of America
Founded in 1965, the Autism Society of America works to create connections between autistic people, families and local support networks.
Through its nationwide network of affiliates, the organisation offers community programmes, advocacy, education and practical advice for navigating everyday life.
The Arc
Although The Arc supports people with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities, it also provides valuable resources for many autistic individuals and their families.
The organisation advocates for equal opportunities, education, employment and independent living while helping families access local services throughout the United States.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
The Organization for Autism Research focuses on practical research that aims to improve everyday outcomes for autistic people.
Alongside funding research projects, OAR produces guides covering education, employment, transition into adulthood and life skills that are freely available to families and professionals.
Easterseals
For more than a century, Easterseals has provided disability services across the United States.
Many of its local centres offer programmes that support autistic children and adults through therapy, education, employment assistance and community inclusion.
Local community support
National organisations are invaluable, but local support can often have the greatest day-to-day impact.
Many communities throughout the United States have autism centres, parent support groups, specialist education services and local charities that understand the needs of families within their area. Speaking with healthcare professionals or local education providers is often a good starting point for finding nearby support.
Working together across borders
Autism is a global community, and there is much that countries can learn from one another.
Whether support comes through charities in the United Kingdom, organisations across the United States or healthcare initiatives elsewhere in the world, every effort contributes towards greater understanding, better opportunities and improved quality of life for autistic people and their families.
By supporting organisations that educate, advocate and provide practical help, we can all play a small part in building a more inclusive future.
For UK based support, you may find the following resources useful:
