Autism Speaks is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the future for those with autism through funding research, increasing awareness, and providing support. They committed close to $5 million to science grants and fellowships in 2013 and $1.2 million to local service providers to improve lives of those with autism. Autism Speaks encourages participation in walks and donations as a way to spread awareness and support research to find answers and bring hope to families affected by autism.

1. Autism Speaks
Katie Shepard

2. “At Autism Speaks, our goal is to
change the future for all who
struggle with autism spectrum
disorders.”
"Mission." Autism Speaks. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec.
2014. <http://www.autismspeaks.org/about-
us/mission>.

3.  To spread awareness and donate to the
cause for research

4.  Problem: lack of research
 Solution: Donations, walks
 Future: Answers/awareness
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5. 1. Funding for research
2. Awareness for community
3. Prevention/
Treatment

6.  Without financial backing, the
organization cannot conduct research
for answers

7.  Lack of awareness leads to negative
treatment of autistic people

8. “A new government survey of parents
indicates that 1 in 50 school-age
children have autism spectrum disorder
(ASD). This is significantly higher than the
official government estimate of 1 in 88
American children…”
"National Survey Pegs Autism Prevalence at
1 in 50 School-age Children."Autism Speaks.
N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/scie
nce-news/national-survey-pegs-autism-
prevalence-1-50-school-age-children>.

9.  Not yet any genetic solution to the
‘autistic puzzle’

10.  You can gain knowledge and treat
autistic students more properly

11.  Donations & contributions, events, more
research

12.  Any size contribution can help to fund
ground-breaking research

13.  Hosting/attending events sponsored by
Autism Speaks will spread awareness

14.  Attending a Walk can spread awareness
and also provide donations

15.  Go to autismspeaks.org and donate!

16.  Sign up for an event/attend one in the
area

17.  Participate in a walk or donate at one

18. “Asperger’s is not a disease.
It’s a way of being. There is
no cure, nor is there a need
for one. There is, however, a
need for knowledge and
adaptation on the part of
Aspergian kids and their
families and friends.”
Robison, John Elder. Look Me in the Eye:
My Life with Asperger's. New York: Crown,
2007. Print.

19.  Autistic students won’t be taken care
of/treated correctly

20.  We will have to stop research without
answers

21.  Community awareness about autism will
increase

22.  We can find answers and bring hope to
families

23. “In 2013, Autism Speaks committed close to $5
million in new funding through its Science grants
and fellowships programs…through its Family
Services grants, Autism Speaks committed $1.2
million to local service providers in 2013. The grants
will help create new and expand existing local
programs to improve and enrich the lives of
individuals with autism.”
"Autism Speaks Recognized as a Top Non-
Profit." ProQuest Research Library. Targeted News
Service, 20 Dec. 2013. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
<http://search.proquest.com/docview/1469956359?
accountid=136288>.

24.  Everyone can sign up for a Walk at
autismspeaks.org

25.  Problem: Not enough awareness
 Solution: Participate in Walk
 Future: Community will have gained knowledge

27. "Mission." Autism Speaks. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us/mission>.
"National Survey Pegs Autism Prevalence at 1 in 50 School-age Children."Autism Speaks. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/national-survey-
pegs-autism-prevalence-1-50-school-age-children>.
Robison, John Elder. Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's. New York: Crown,
2007. Print.
"Autism Speaks Recognized as a Top Non-Profit." ProQuest Research Library. Targeted News Service
20 Dec. 2013. Web. 15 Dec. 2014. <http://search.proquest.com/docview/1469956359?
accountid=136288>.