Autism Society of America

10/30/2025

This month, we celebrate the contributions of Autistic employees and renew our commitment to creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.

At the Autism Society, we are working to strengthen the neurodiversity employment ecosystem, foster early opportunities like internships and mentorships, create flexible job pathways that meet diverse needs, support caregivers balancing work and care responsibilities, and expand awareness beyond our community to share successes.

Together, we can make meaningful employment for Autistic individuals the expectation, not the exception.

10/28/2025

The Autism Society of America was honored to be invited to moderate a panel at PrevCon 2025 with Safe Kids Worldwide, The Y, Dell Children's Trauma and Injury Research Center, National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention, focused on the latest research surrounding the incidence of drowning and Autism.

During this important discussion, two recent studies were presented, highlighting how emerging evidence is shaping best practices for aquatics professionals, parents, and caregivers. These insights are helping to improve safety, enhance training, and build stronger community awareness around water safety for individuals with Autism.

We are grateful to our colleagues, researchers, and advocates who help us continue to drive this vital work forward. To learn more about the Water and Wandering program, visit our website: https://autismsociety.org/water-and-wandering/

10/27/2025

Halloween is right around the corner! Trick or treating and Halloween activities can be stressful for Autistic individuals. The Autism Society of America has some tips for you and your family. Check out our Halloween social story and scavenger hunt to help you create a neuroaffirming and sensory friendly experience for you and your Autistic loved ones. Wishing you lots of treats and not too many tricks! 🎃

➡️ Click Here to access: https://bit.ly/4oFXJca

10/22/2025

We are proud to stand with 800+ national, state, local, civil rights, education, and disability advocacy organizations in condemning the mass layoffs at the Department of Education (ED) — jeopardizing decades of progress in protecting students with disabilities.
We urge the Administration and Congress to protect children and immediately restore staffing and support at ED. It’s a moral and legal obligation for our nation's children.
Full statement here. https://autismsociety.org/department-of-education-rif-statement/

10/21/2025

A sincere thank you to the Keystone Community Foundation for hosting the Keystone Fore Autism Golf Classic on October 15th!
It was an honor to participate in this wonderful event, with all proceeds benefiting the Autism Society of America! Your support helps this vital organization in its mission to create connections and empower the Autism community to live fully.
We appreciate the generosity of everyone who participated and those who worked behind the scenes to make it happen!

10/16/2025

In this month’s Capitol Connection, the Autism Society breaks down the current Government Shutdown and recent federal staffing reductions, and what they mean for the disability community. Read more:

In this issue of Capitol Connection, learn more about the current Government Shutdown and the Reduction in Force. We encourage you to visit the Autism […]

10/14/2025

The Autism Society joined over 600 organizations urging the Administration and Congress to reverse recent layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education and restore staffing and transparency.

These cuts endanger vital protections under IDEA, Section 504, and Title IV, putting millions of students with disabilities at risk and undermining 50 years of progress in special education and civil rights.

Without federal staff to provide oversight and guidance, schools and states cannot fully uphold the rights of students with disabilities or support access to vocational rehabilitation.

We urge federal leaders to restore these critical roles and protect the laws that ensure education and opportunity for all.
www.autismsociety.org/department-of-education-RIF-statement

10/09/2025

Thank you to all of our amazing advocates for taking action to help Robert Roberson!

The ex*****on of Robert Roberson, an innocent Autistic man, has been halted!

Courts will review new evidence showing his daughter died from illness, not abuse. Texas must ensure justice informed by science, disability awareness, and an understanding that Autistic behaviors should not be misjudged as guilt.

Read more here from the Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/10/09/robert-roberson-ex*****on-blocked-texas-court-of-criminal-appeals/

10/09/2025

We’re proud to officially launch Project Unlocking PEACE!
Led by the Autism Society’s Health Equity and Autism Justice Center teams, this initiative training equips correctional healthcare professionals and staff with tools to better support individuals with Autism and IDD in custody.
Through training and education, we’re working to improve health outcomes and promote dignity in care.
Grateful to our partners at the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections for helping make this possible.

10/06/2025

Celebrating 60 Years of Impact — Join Us! 🎉 For six decades, the Autism Society of America has been a lifeline for individuals and families navigating the autism journey. From advocacy and education to community support and inclusion, we've stood by millions — but our work is far from over.

As we mark our 60th anniversary, we invite you to be part of the next chapter. Your gift today helps expand access to resources, empower voices, and build a more accepting world for every autistic person.

💙 Donate now and help us continue our mission — because every life on the spectrum deserves connection, understanding, and opportunity.
https://autismsociety.org/donate/

10/02/2025

The Autism Society is proud to bring Safety on the Spectrum Accessible Aquatics to Austin, Texas, last weekend. A big thank you to Dell Children's Medical Center for partnering with us, Emler Swim School - Oak Hill for hosting the training, and the Autism Society of Texas for their support. Instructors from Emler Swim School, the city of Austin, Swim for All, Premier Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation went through extensive training so that they can teach learners with Autism water safety and learn-to-swim skills. This training utilizes evidence-based practices with a focus on respect, dignity, safety, and meeting the learner where they are.

09/28/2025

The Autism Society thanks Rep. McBath, Rep. Fitzpatrick, and Sen. Markey for introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act, which builds career pathways, creates professional development opportunities, and establishes higher wages for school paraeducators who play a vital role in supporting students with Autism and other disabilities. https://bit.ly/4pDX1NX

Representatives McBath, Fitzpatrick Introduce Legislation to Increase Recruitment and Retainment of Educators Legislation supports instructors who facilitate student learning and success. September 19, 2025 Washington, DC – Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), a member of the House Committee on ...