The Autism Society is committed to ensuring that everyone in the Autism community is connected to the resources they need. Our national team operates as a support service to our affiliate network by providing key foundational guidance, materials, and partnership opportunities. We also support the development and onboarding of new Autism Society affiliates in areas that are not currently being served to ensure our mission reaches every corner of the country.

The Local Impact

Our impact at the Autism Society of America relies upon the tremendous work of our affiliate network, which currently includes 68 affiliates across 34 states and 2 territories. With over 350K attendees at 11K local and statewide events, this network has a national reach with meaningful, local impact.

Our affiliates served over 430K individuals in 2024, but we know there are still many more to connect to the resources they need to live fully.

What Do Affiliates Do?

Affiliates are the direct link to connecting the Autism community to the support and services that are needed. Serving individuals and families across the Autism lifespan, they focus on five core service areas: Information & Referral (I&R), Support, Education, Advocacy, and Community Programming.

Because each affiliate tailors its strategic direction based on the needs of its own community, the network is incredibly diverse in geography, capacity, and structure. We recognize that the strength of this network lies in its people, including Board members, staff, committees, volunteers, and partners, and their ability to provide meaningful mission impact where it matters most.

An Even More Connected Future

Our goal is to strengthen our affiliates to allow them to even better serve their communities. Our national team is working hard to offer new communication tools, revenue generating opportunities, and technologies that will allow our affiliates to thrive. As a federated nonprofit model, our affiliates are independent organizations that rely on local support but also on the resources that the Autism Society of America provides.

Start a New Affiliate!

The Autism Society is committed to ensuring that everyone in the Autism community is connected to the resources needed. We support the development and onboarding of new Autism Society affiliates in areas that are not currently being served. Please reach out to our affiliate relations team for more information about starting an affiliate in your area.

Connect: Send an email to Pete Schwarz, Vice President of Affiliate Relations, at pschwarz@autismsociety.org, to setup a meeting and to discuss next steps.

Your donation empowers the Autism Society of America to lend support to affiliates to expand programs, train volunteers, and host inclusive events that foster understanding and belonging. See below to donate.