Agencies and Organizations

Private and Non-Profit Organizations

This list includes a selection of private and non-profit organizations that provide research funding, support, and information for people with autism or other developmental disabilities and their families.

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Autism Initiatives The AAP Autism Initiatives includes policy statements and clinical reports, information on autism prevalence, tools and resources for pediatricians, and resources for families.
• The Arc This agency promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through policy and advocacy, initiatives on various aspects of life, and resources.
• Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) AANE works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with autism spectrum build meaningful, connected lives. They provide resources on a wide variety of topics as well as community, support, and advocacy.
• AUCD Network Centers AUCD supports and promotes a national network of federally funded university-based interdisciplinary programs. These centers include the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education. Research, and Service (UCEDD), Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Programs, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRCs).
• Autism Science Foundation ASF strives to support autism research by providing research funding and by providing information to the general public through their Weekly Science Podcast, Day of Learning, and more.
• Autism Society Autism Society provides advocacy, education, referrals, support, and more at the national, state, and local level through their nationwide network of affiliates.
• Autism Speaks Autism Speaks addresses the needs of people on the autism spectrum and their families through advocacy, support, resources, and research.
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) ASAN seeks to advance the rights of people with autism. They are run by and for autistic people.
• Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) BBRF has awarded more than $11 million to autism research since 1987. This section features the latest research discoveries, news and events, and more.
• The BRAIN Foundation The BRAIN Foundation supports translational research for neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. The organization also provides educational resources and support to families.
• The Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth) CAPE-Youth was established to help states improve employment outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities. They also provide information and resources for policymakers and the disability community.
• Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) CARD treats people on the autism spectrum using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). They also provide information and other resources.
• The Council on Children with Disabilities (COCWD) Autism Subcommittee The American Academy of Pediatrics' COCWD Autism Subcommittee provides evidence-based guidance on caring for children and teens on the autism spectrum.
• Color of Autism The Color of Autism supports African American children with autism and their families. The organization works to provide culturally competent resources for early and accurate diagnosis and empower families to advocate for services.
• Eagles Autism Foundation The Eagles Autism Foundation supports autism research that can improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism. Their annual fundraising event is the Eagles Autism Challenge.
• The Els for Autism Foundation The Els for Autism Foundation is committed to better understanding the aspirations of people with autism spectrum disorder and helping them to fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives, through the development and delivery of interventions, educational programs, training programs, and recreational programs, and independent living programs; global outreach; and raising awareness and promoting inclusion of people on the autism spectrum.
• Grupo Salto Grupo Salto is a support group for Latino families who have children with disabilities, especially autism. They work to provide culturally competent information and services to families.
• Interdisciplinary Technical Assistance Center (ITAC) on Autism and Developmental Disabilities ITAC, which is part of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), provides guidance to interdisciplinary training programs that teach professionals how to screen and diagnose autism as well as provide evidence-based interventions.
• International Disability Alliance The International Disability Alliance is made up of 14 global and regional organizations that represent people with disabilities. They advocate at United Nations for disability inclusion across the globe.
• International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) INSAR is a scientific and professional organization that strives to advance knowledge about autism through providing opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and education.
• Madison House Autism Foundation Madison House works to find, develop, and promote solutions that allow adults on the autism spectrum to live independently, find employment, and connect to their community.
• MITRE Neurodiverse Federal Workforce Initiative MITRE is collaborating with federal, academic, and private industry partners to launch a Neurodiverse Federal Workforce Initiative to increase high-tech career opportunities within the federal government for individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation This foundation develops and provides grants to programs in research, clinical care, policy, advocacy, and education in order to advance the understanding of autism.
• National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities NACDD is the national association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities.
• National Autism Association (NAA) The NAA promotes safety and addresses urgent needs of the autism community through advocacy, education, awareness, research and tools.
• Organization for Autism Research (OAR) OAR’s mission is to use research to address the daily concerns of self-advocates, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers.
• Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) SFARI is a scientific initiative that works to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
• Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) SARRC is dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community outreach and inclusion.
• Simons Foundation/SPARK for Autism SPARK for Autism supports autism researchers and encourages people on the autism spectrum and their families to participate in autism studies. They also host a webinar series and write articles to educate stakeholders on issues related to autism, such as mental health, general wellness, brain development, and more.
• United States International Council on Disabilities The United States International Council on Disabilities’ mission is to advance international disability rights and inclusive development in the U.S. and abroad. They work to build bridges between governments, disability and human rights communities, and the private sector.