Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has never been a hotter topic. 1 in 59 kids are affected by it, and many organizations have gotten an itch to do something in response. But if you are simply a parent, friend, or person who wants to make a difference, how can you get involved? Sometimes it only takes one person to make a ripple effect that changes the world. That is why we have put together a list of our favorite autism charities. The teams behind these charities are ones we are proud to stand by as they make an undeniable difference in the autism community. Check out the following organizations to see which one resonates best with you!
1. Easterseals
Easterseals is an organization rooted in the belief that people with disabilities are meant to be seen and celebrated. It is the largest nonprofit healthcare organization in the United States, a feat demonstrating their diligence in turning a dream into reality. They serve over a million people through many services like early intervention, which is particularly impactful for kids with autism who often respond best to early therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies.
Here’s a wild example of the incredible hands-on work that they do: recently, Easterseals techs spent over five straight hours on the phone helping a family potty train a young child with autism. To them, nothing is out of their reach, and that is a mindset we can get behind!
Their reach does not stop with children, though. They also partner with education programs for school-aged children with autism and offer job training resources for adults. Their community outreach simply knows no bounds.
2. The Shadow Project
The Shadow Project has a unique mission that focuses on giving kids with learning or attention issues a fantastic school experience. Learning should be fun for every kid, and that is a belief the Shadow Project shouts from the rooftops.
The ways you can get in with The Shadow Project are endless. You can sponsor a specific child, fund individual toolkits for families, browse their amazon wish list and purchase a specific item for students in their program, and even get hands-on by volunteering as a reading mentor!
The Shadow Project is especially changing the lives of students with autism through their “sensory spaces.” Through these spaces, they offer movement courses, sensory tools, and weighted blanks to give kids a place to feel free from anxiety and stress. Kids learn best when stress is not in the picture, and The Shadow Project is a pioneer in making that happen for countless kids.
3. Autism Angels Group
As a nonprofit that directly involves angel investors and entrepreneurs, Autism Angels Group has a niche like none other. They provide a space for entrepreneurs who have a diagnosis of ASD to seek investors. They also give investors a chance to provide capital for niche solutions and products meant to benefit the autism community.
Ultimately, their dream is to be a bridge between capital and talent that leads to empowering and reinventing the future of autistic people. They were the “first social impact investment association who put their focus on autism and neurodiversity” by financial times.
They also provide scholarships to support college students as they navigate the higher education system as someone on the autism spectrum.
4. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) stand on the belief that access, rights, and opportunities should be equally accessible to people specifically with autism. For them, it is all about empowering autistic people to be independent. This is a value we think it much too often overlooked… but not by ASAN!
What makes ASAN most unique, however, is the fact that they are entirely run by autistic individuals. It’s a grassroots organization with the blood of fighters. They are going to battle in through public policy advocacy, leadership trainings, and autistic cultural activities. By getting in with ASAN, you can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your resources are going toward making change in areas that are directly impacting the autistic community.
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Does your child struggle with getting ready in the morning independently? Goally’s routine app on the best tablet for kids breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps for autistic kids. Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step.
Community is driven by support, and that support is never just one-sided. Each of these autism charities (and countless others) are playing a small role in a much bigger movement that is bringing awareness and positive change to the autism charities community. From Goally to you, we hope our favorite charities give you a tangible way to be a part of it!
FAQ’s About Autism Charities
What are autism charities?
Autism charities are organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with autism through research, advocacy, education, and providing resources for families.
How do autism charities help families?
Autism charities offer services like therapy, educational programs, support groups, and financial assistance to help families manage autism's challenges.
Can I donate to autism charities online?
Yes, most autism charities have online donation options, making it easy to contribute and support their work.
How can I find reputable autism charities?
Look for autism charities with positive reviews, transparency in their financials, and accreditation from trusted organizations like Charity Navigator.
What types of programs do autism charities fund?
Autism charities fund programs focused on early intervention, vocational training, community integration, and scientific research to improve the lives of individuals with autism.
This post was originally published on 06/10/2021. It was updated on 06/20/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
