THE MARKET

Autism Speaks is the world’s largest autism

science and advocacy organization, with offices

throughout North America and Europe and a

Mideast affiliate in Qatar. As part of its mission,

Autism Speaks funds biomedical research into

the causes, diagnosis, and more effective treat-

ments for autism; advocates for the needs

of individuals with autism and their families;

and promotes better awareness for autism

around the world.

“Autism” is a general term used to describe a

group of complex developmental brain disorders

— autism spectrum disorders (ASD) — caused

by a combination of genes and environmental

influences. ASD can be mild or severe, and is

characterized by social and communication chal-

lenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An esti-

mated one in 110 children in the United States is

on the autism spectrum — a 600 percent increase

in prevalence during the past two decades that

improved diagnosis can only partly explain.

ACHIEVEMENTS

AutismSpeakshascommittedmorethan$160mil-

lion to a wide range of cutting-edge research

into law the Combating Autism Reauthorization

Powered by families with loved ones on the

projects aimed at finding the causes of autism

Act of 2011 that continues federal financial sup-

autism spectrum, this successful grassroots

and developing new and more effective treat-

port for autism for another three years.

fund-raising effort not only generates vital funds

ments. In addition, Autism Speaks is attracting

Autism Speaks’ advocacy efforts have also

for autism research but also raises crucial

new talent to the field of autism research by

included a major push for autism insurance

awareness about autism on the local level.

funding mentor-based fellowships. Autism

reform so that insurance companies can no longer

Bringing together friends, families, local politi-

Speaks is also developing innovative resources

exclude coverage for autism treat-

cal figures, and celebrity guests for a day of fun

for families and professionals

ments. To date, 28 states have

and festivities, the walks are an excellent exam-

with the potential to radically

enacted important insurance reform

ple of what collaborative efforts on behalf of the

affect treatment and quality of

bills that provide treatment coverage

autism community can achieve. In 2010, Walk

life. Because of these invest-

for families affected by autism.

Now for Autism Speaks events raised $25.9 mil-

ments, many advances in the

Autism Speaks is dedicated to

lion, making it the organization’s largest

ability to diagnosis and treat

empowering individuals and fami-

fund-raiser.

autism have taken place.

lies impacted by autism. At

Autism Speaks’ investments in

AutismSpeaks.org, families can

HISTORY

science have allowed professionals

find online tools, including the

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005

to screen for autism as early as 12

popular 100 Day Kit that helps

by Suzanne and Bob Wright, grandparents of a

months of age, leading to signifi-

families navigate the first few

cantly better outcomes. Autism

months after a child’s diagnosis

research is being accelerated through

of autism, a Transition Tool

several resources that Autism Speaks

Kit, and a Grandparents Kit, among

funds, including the world’s largest genetic

others. Close to 15,000 tool kits have been per-

and brain tissue banks. Other resources and

sonalized and mailed out, helping countless

professional networks that Autism Speaks sup-

individuals through their journey with autism.

ports focus on physician training, medical guide-

In addition, Autism Speaks provides funding for

lines and tool kits, and improving the quality of

community programs through its Family

medical care.

Services Community Grants. Since 2008, $2.3 mil-

On the legislative front, Autism Speaks and

lion in community grants have been awarded to

child with autism. Suzanne Wright is a trustee

its extensive network of grassroots supporters

114 organizations to meet the needs of indivi-

emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma

have worked tirelessly to convince the federal

duals with autism.

mater, and has received numerous awards for her

government to address the autism crisis. As a

Autism Speaks hosts over 80 Walk Now

philanthropy. Bob Wright is senior advisor at

result of these efforts, President Obama signed

for Autism Speaks events in North America.

Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman

of General Electric, and chief executive

organization celebrates this day interna-

officer of NBC and NBC Universal, for

tionally through its annual “Light It Up

more than 20 years. Autism Speaks has

Blue” awareness campaign, which also

grown into the world’s largest science-

serves to kick off Autism Awareness

based autism advocacy organization and

Month in April. In 2011 over 2,000

is committed to creating a more compas-

buildings and iconic structures from

sionate community for individuals and

around the world lit up blue, helping to

families with autism.

shine a bright light on autism. Participa-

ting landmarks included the Empire State

THE PRODUCT

Building and 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New

Autism Speaks funds research into the

York City, Sydney Opera House, and the

causes, early detection, and more effec-

Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.

tive treatment of autism. The organization

Autism Speaks also hosts several

works closely with the public and private

large-scale, national special events every

sectors to advance research, improve

year to raise funds in support of its

medical care, and assist families in help-

mission and to bring awareness to the

ing their loved ones and advocates for

disorder. Celebrities including Bruce

their rights. Autism Speaks also provides

Springsteen, Tommy Hilfiger, Jerry

families living with autism, and the gen-

Seinfeld, Paul Simon, Jay Leno, Toni

eral public, a place to go for answers.

Braxton, Natalie Cole, Lionel Ritchie,

Autism Speaks provides information on

Harry Connick Jr., and Holly Robinson

the early warning signs of autism, where

Peete, as well as professional athletes,

to find help, and how to grow with the

have donated their time and helped pro-

disorder. The organization connects fami-

mote these events, thereby contributing

lies to local and national resources as well

significantly to the organization’s fund-

as provides a forum to share their experi-

raising efforts.

ences and create networks of support.

Many corporations have lent their

name and financial support to Autism

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Speaks, including Toys“R”Us and

In 2011 Autism Speaks funded the first

Babies“R”Us. With their support, and

study to use a total population strategy

that of other corporations, Autism Speaks

to estimate autism prevalence. The study

has become more visible among the

showed that in South Korea the prevalence of

PROMOTION

general public. With greater public awareness, a

autism is one in 38 children. As a result, the

Autism Speaks’ awareness efforts are credited

more compassionate community is growing for

CDC is now designing a similar study, funded

with increasing autism awareness among the

individuals and families affected by autism.

by Autism Speaks, to determine more accurate

general population by 45 percent. The organiza-

estimates in the United States.

tion promotes its mission through various

BRAND VALUES

Thanks to a recent Autism Speaks–funded

mechanisms.

Autism Speaks has made a promise to fund

study, pediatricians now have a brief ques-

The Autism Speaks website, AutismSpeaks.

autism research, advocate for families, and create

tionnaire that parents can fill out to screen their

org, is the leading source for autism information

a compassionate community for people affected

child for autism as early as 12 months of age.

on the Internet. The website offers comprehen-

by autism. The blue puzzle-piece logo commu-

Early diagnosis and early intervention can result

sive resources for those directly affected by

nicates this promise to the general public and

in significant improvements in children with

autism, as well as compelling information for

also identifies Autism Speaks as the premier

an ASD.

increasing autism awareness among the general

resource and authority on autism. At its core, the

Autism Speaks recently introduced several

population.Socialmediaplatforms—suchasFace-

puzzle-piece logo represents the hope to find the

new tool kits that assist families

book, Twitter, and the Autism

missing piece of the autism puzzle.

and individuals affected by

Speaks blog — are rapidly

ASD. Examples include the

growing forums for members

Transition Tool Kit for families

of the autism community to

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

whose adolescent children are

learn about new research and

AUTISM SPEAKS

on the cusp of adulthood, and

initiatives, discuss issues, share

an Asperger Syndrome / High

experiences, and offer support.

m Autism Speaks offers an online resource

Functioning Autism Kit to help

In total, Autism Speaks’ social

guide for families affected by autism. It

individuals and their families

media platforms reach almost 3

contains over 45,000 local resources

develop a roadmap and strate-

million people and counting.

from across the country in 75 categories

gies after a diagnosis.

Autism Speaks’ award-

— from developmental pediatricians to

Programs such as Autism

winning Ad Council “Learn the

after-school programs.

Speaks’ Global Autism Public

Signs” awareness campaign

Health (GAPH) initiative con-

has received over $286 mil-

m Over 340,000 people participate in Walk

tinue to grow, helping to

lion in donated media. The

Now for Autism Speaks events annually,

increase autism awareness and

campaign elements include TV,

helping to raise autism awareness and

understanding worldwide. In 2011 GAPH

radio, print, and online ads designed to commu-

funds for the organization’s many pro-

Bangladesh and the South Asia Autism Network

nicate the odds of autism and to encourage peo-

grams and initiatives.

were created during a historic conference in

ple to learn the early-warning signs of autism by

m The Autism Speaks Facebook page has

Dhaka, Bangladesh, that featured chief guest

visiting AutismSpeaks.org. In 2010 it was the

over 880,000 fans and is projected to

Sonia Gandhi, president of the Indian National

number-one Ad Council campaign based on

reach the 1 million mark by 2012.

Congress, and the prime minister of Bangladesh.

donated media.

The organization is working in 23 countries

Globally, Autism Speaks worked with the

m For every dollar invested by Autism Speaks

across the globe to enhance research collabora-

state of Qatar and the United Nations to estab-

in pilot research studies, $9 is leveraged

tions, promote awareness, and improve services

lish World Autism Awareness Day in 2008 to be

in future federal research funding.

for people with autism and their families.

celebrated in perpetuity on April 2. The