Autism Society of America

Autism Society of America
Founded December 28, 1965 (1965-12-28)[1]
Founders Bernard Rimland,[2] Ivar Lovaas, Ruth C. Sullivan, and others
Legal status 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Headquarters Bethesda, Maryland, United States
James Ball[3]
Scott Badesch[4]
Subsidiaries Autism Society of America Foundation[5]
Revenue (2013)
$2,396,020[5]
Expenses (2013) $2,378,089[5]
Endowment $50,000[5]
Employees (2013)
27[5]
Volunteers (2013)
20[5]
Website www.autism-society.org
Formerly called
 National Society for Autistic Children[6]

The Autism Society of America (ASA) was founded in 1965[1] by Bernard Rimland[2] and Ivar Lovaas together with Ruth C. Sullivan and a small group of other parents of children with autism. Its original name was the National Society for Autistic Children;[6] the name was changed to emphasize that children with autism grow up. The ASA's stated goal is to increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by people with autism as well as their families and the professionals with whom they interact.[7]

Founding

In 1964, Dr. Bernard Rimland wrote a book, Infantile Autism, about autism that convinced other individuals working in the field that autism is a physiological disorder, not a mental problem or an emotional problem.[8] Rimland received so many telephone calls from parents with children with autism who asked for more information about autism that Rimland decided to help organize the group and the Institute for Child Behavior Research in San Diego.[8] Mooza Grant served as the organization's first president.

References

  1. 1 2 "Autism Society of America Inc." Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Government of the District of Columbia. Accessed on February 23, 2016.
  2. 1 2 "Some Key Dates in Autism History". The Washington Post July 1, 2008. p. F5.
  3. ↑ "Board of Directors". Autism Society of America. Accessed on February 23, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Staff". Autism Society of America. Accessed on February 23, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6
  6. 1 2 Campbell, Susan. "A place for miracles? Institute offers option for autistic children". St. Petersburg Times. April 13, 1988.
  7. ↑ "Autism Organizations". Autism Key. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  8. 1 2 Krause, Audrie. "Authority on Autism Speaks from Experience: Doctor Began Research After His Son Was Diagnosed with Disorder 30 Years Ago". The Fresno Bee. November 18, 1987.
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