Pursuing recognition, policy and solutions for the surging population of individuals, families and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism.
We are committed to improving the long-term welfare of individuals, families and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. To that end, we
โข ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ about these disabilities, and how they require special attention and services.
โข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ for think tanks and serious discourse addressing policy and services.
โข ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ about the impact of legislation and policy on our vulnerable, growing, and often overshadowed population.
โข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต into therapeutics, neurobiology, and causes of severe forms of autism and related disabilities.
โข ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ of individuals, families, and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism by giving voice to their realities and needs. The nonprofit NCSA is the nation's leading voice pursuing recognition, policy and solutions for the surging population of individuals, families and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism and related disorders. More information: www.NCSAutism.org
๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐
โข Focus discussions on severe autism and related support needs
โข Respect the lived experiences of families and caregivers
โข Acknowledge the distinct challenges of severe autism versus other parts of the spectrum
โข Maintain civil discourse even in disagreement
โข Share personal experiences respectfully and constructively
โข These guidelines aim to create a supportive, focused space for our community.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐น ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐บ (๐ก๐๐ฆ๐) ๐บ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ผ-๐๐ผ๐น๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐๐บ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐. Our moderators have full discretion to take immediate action against any violations of our community guidelines, including but not limited to:
โข Harassment of families and caregivers
โข Dismissal or minimization of severe autism challenges
โข Hate speech or discriminatory comments
โข Trolling or intentionally disruptive behavior
โข Spam or promotional content
While warnings may be issued, moderators are not required to provide prior notice before taking action. Comments may be removed and users may be banned immediately based on the severity of the violation. This discretion is necessary to maintain a safe, supportive environment for our community.
๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ, ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐. All moderator decisions are final. NCSA reserves the right to modify these guidelines at any time to protect our community members.
12/05/2025
Letโs shine a light on the incredible work of artists who express what words cannot.
๐จ๐ Enter Today! The Voices of Autism Artwork Campaign is LIVE! ๐๐จ Enter here: NCSAutism.org/art
We are celebrating creativity, individuality, and the beauty of expression beyond words.
2026 NCSA fundraisers will feature artwork made by people with severe forms of autism and related disordersโand we want to highlight YOUR artist.
Families are invited to submit:
1. A piece of original artwork
2. A photo of the artist
3. A short 150-character bio
โข Optional story or inspiration behind the piece
โญ One winner will receive a $100 care package from ARK Therapeutic
โญ Winner announced January 6, 2026
โญ Artwork submissions may be featured in our 2026 fundraising projects
๐ Deadline to submit: December 13, 2025
๐ Submit here: NCSAutism.org/art
Please share this widely to help reach families across the country.
Please see submission guidelines and more details on form here: NCSAutism.org/art
12/04/2025
โจ50 Years of U.S. Special Education and the Global Recognition of Persons with Disabilities! โจ
This week, NCSA recognized the 50th Anniversary of U.S. Special Education as well as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities! In celebration of this momentous week, Cristina Gaudio, NCSA Legal and Policy Fellow, gives a brief history of U.S. Special Education laws and outlines the legal protections that they bring to our community.
This week, NCSA recognized National Special Education Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities! ย What better way to close out this week than by understanding the legal rights and protections that these events have historically helped bring to our community. Letโs get into it.
12/03/2025
In this excellent article, Freddie deBoer highlights how some disability conversations turn vulnerability into an identity people are expected to embrace. His point about older adults being pushed into a disability identity mirrors what often happens with autism, where real medical and functional challenges get overshadowed by identity language. When disability is treated mainly as a label or worldview, the practical realities of aging or intensive support needs are pushed aside. It shows why we must keep disability rooted in real-world challenges that families and individuals actually face.
shut up and accept that you're defined by your weakness, olds!
12/02/2025
Special message from our ED on this Giving Tuesday. Severe autism isn't rare; support is. We thank you for your support to NCSA and the families we serve. Please give generously as we pursue the policy, recognition, and support these families deserve.
Donate here: NCSAutism.org/donate
11/27/2025
We hope the day brings renewed energy, connection, and hope to everyone supporting individuals with severe autism.
11/25/2025
November is National Family Caregivers Month.
Family caregivers frequently play a significant role in providing support for people with autism. These unpaid caregivers require assistance to continue caring for people with autism โ both children and adults โ living in the community. Family caregivers provide supports for children and adults living with autism across their life span โ 80% of adults with autism live at home and receive support from a family caregiver.
National Family Caregivers Month is a time to:
Raise awareness of the important role family caregivers play in our healthcare system.
Educate communities about the challenges caregivers face and the support they need.
Connect caregivers with trusted resources that make their journey a little easier.
Honor caregivers for their commitment, resilience, and love.
Please check out Caregiver Action Network toolkits to recognize caregivers in your workplace, community or organization.
National Family Caregivers Month Led by Caregiver Action Network Explore the 2025 Campaign Each November, we pause to recognize and honor the 63+ million family caregivers across the United States who devote their time, energy, and love to supporting a family member or friend with health needs. Care...
11/20/2025
With the holidays around the corner, we would love to update our Autism Makers List to provide the NCSA community a list of companies that sell goods made by or with the help of those with severe forms of autism and/or intellectual disabilities. If you would like to be added (or updated) please fill out this form. https://forms.gle/wJ6CsA9iDriKWfEt8
To avoid spamming from businesses that do not meet our guidelines, comments will be turned off for this post. If there's an Autism Maker you would love to recommend, please share this post with them to fill out the form.
Legal Analysis: The Blatant Rights Violations in Tennessee's Arrest of an Autistic Child
In recent days, the story of a five-year-old with autism charged with assault in TN has garnered many different opinions. In this analysis, Cristina Gaudio, NCSA Legal and Policy Fellow, dissects the situation, bringing light to the implications of what all of this could mean for the autism community.
By: Cristina Gaudio, NCSA Legal and Policy Fellow This week, records obtained in Tennessee showed the prosecution of a 5-year-old boy with autism. Documents show that the Sumner County District Attorney's Office and juvenile court had previously declined to prosecute the case, swiftly dismissing in
11/15/2025
Whenever we talk about cameras in group homes, someone always asks: How do we balance safety with privacy?
The truth, backed by facts, is straightforward: Cameras save lives. And concerns about privacy are often overstated and misplaced.
Hereโs whatโs at stake:
Some residents, especially those with severe autism, canโt speak out, canโt identify their abusers, and canโt testify against them. Without cameras, predators know they can do anythingโharm and exploit the most vulnerable without consequences. Every day, these unseen dangers destroy lives.
And the privacy concerns?
Since 2018, there hasnโt been a single report in NJ where camera footage was used to help abuse, neglect, or exploit a group home resident.* Check it yourselfโlook into other states and settings like nursing homes. The evidence is clear: cameras protect, not threaten, privacy.
Why are fears about privacy misplaced?
Living in a group home shouldnโt mean sacrificing safety or privacy. There are countless ways residentsโ privacy is already at riskโother residents (and their guests) as well as staff listening in, snooping around, invading personal space. Legally installed cameras are actually a critical tool to fight back against those threats, keeping everyone safer and actually preserving genuine privacy.
Weโve said it before, and weโll keep shouting it from the rooftops: Cameras save lives. And protect actual privacy.
Because behind every statistic is a personโsomeone whoโs counting on us to do everything we can to protect them.
JOIN NCSA-NJ today -- it's free -- and help us protect NJ's most viulnerable. Ncsa-nj.org
*Source: Ombudsmnโs Office*
National Council on Severe Autism Profound Autism Alliance Safety Special Interest Group Autism New JerseyMikie SherrillAutism Science FoundationNJ Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities@followersNew Jersey Association of Community Providers - NJACP
11/14/2025
RE: the 5 year-old with autism who faces assault charges.
From the opinion article:
โA five-year-old boy with autism, who faces assault charges for his classroom behavior, reveals a glaring systemic failure on three fronts โ by his school, the juvenile justice system and state law.โ
โBut state law and the juvenile justice system didnโt just fail this child. His school, charged with protecting him and by extension, his classmates, failed him too.โ
โNot only did the school resource officer write the boy up, the parents said H.B. Williams suspended him twice before those reported incidents.โ
โIf thatโs true, then the school likely violated federal law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. That law ensures that a student with a disability and an IEP (or Individualized Education Program) is entitled to a review, which ensures that they are being protected from disciplinary actions that could be the result of their disability.โ
โThatโs not just bad judgmentโit flies in the face of disability law.โ
โWhether intentional or not, it reveals an institutionโs reflex of penalizing disability rather than according proper due process that the law and children with disabilities require.โ
A 5-year-old with autism who was recently brought up on assault charges, was failed by the very systems that should've ensured his welfare.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to National Council on Severe Autism:
many millions of people have traits associated with autism. The NCSA, however, focuses on the burgeoning population of children and adults affected by severe forms of autism or related disorders. This population includes those who, by virtue of any combination of cognitive and functional impairments, require continuous or near-continuous, lifelong services, supports, and supervision. Individuals in this category are often nonverbal or have limited use of language, have intellectual impairment, and, in a subset, exhibit challenging behaviors that interfere with safety and well-being.
We face an urgent, mounting crisis. Due to its rapid increase in prevalence and the severity common in this disability, severe autism has developed into an urgent public health and social services crisis. Pragmatic policy reform to address the lifespan needs posed by severe autism-associated disability is needed, including empowering the nonprofit sector to provide a full continuum of programs, facilitating family and private investments in a wide array of housing and long-term care options, and crafting more efficient federal and state funding mechanisms.
We believe in the importance of treatment and intervention. Individuals and families affected by severe autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities often suffer very low quality of life due to disruptive and dangerous behaviors and emotional, physical, and financial stress. Innovation in treatment across the lifespan is urgently needed, both to improve autism-associated functional deficits and also the variety of co-morbidities and health conditions affecting the majority of people with severe forms of autism.
What We Do
We are committed to improving the long-term welfare of individuals, families and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. To that end, we:
Educate the public about these disabilities, and how they require special attention and services.
Provide a platform for think tanks and serious discourse addressing policy and services.
Educate policy makers about the impact of legislation and policy on our vulnerable, growing, and often overshadowed population.
Promote research into therapeutics, neurobiology, and causes of severe forms of autism and related disabilities.
Promote acceptance and awareness of individuals, families, and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism by giving voice to their realities and needs.
For more information, please see our FAQs and Position Statements.
