The Past: Where We Came From
“When we first got a diagnosis for our son we didn’t know what Autism was.” – Ruth Sullivan, Co-Founder of Autism Society of America

When Ruth Sullivan first received an Autism diagnosis for her son, Joseph, the term was a foreign word to most. With little to no services, opportunities, or options for her son to live a fulfilling life, Ruth was unwilling to accept that bleak reality. And so began her lifelong journey to advocate for the Autism community and connect people to resources, services, and above all, each other.

The Autism Society was founded in 1965 by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., and Ruth C. Sullivan, Ph.D., who also became the organization’s first elected president. In honor of her son, Joseph, Ruth devoted her life and work to Autism, contributing to significant advancements in disability policy and inclusion. The Autism Society has grown from a handful of parents into a nationally trusted thought leader in the Autism and I/DD communities. The Autism Society is the oldest and largest grassroots Autism organization and nationally serves over half a million people per year. For almost six decades, the Autism Society has helped millions of Autistic individuals, their families, and community members through advocacy, education, resources and community programming.

The Present: A Blend of Progress and Growth
By: Hari Srinivasan, Ph.D Candidate, Scientist, minimally-speaking Autistic, Activist

Over the past six decades, the Autism Society has made significant strides in fostering awareness, inclusion, and advocacy for the Autistic community. Through extensive advocacy, the Autism Society has driven important legislative changes and provided invaluable resources for Autistic individuals, families, and allies across varying support levels. However, despite this progress, more can be done to engage those whose experiences are often underrepresented — such as individuals with higher support needs, communication challenges, or complex medical conditions.

The Autism Society must continue advocating for policy and research that go beyond dominant, one-size-fits-all interventions, ensuring diverse solutions and better quality of life for all. It is essential that traditional practices do not overshadow the lived experiences of those most affected.

As an Autistic advocate and researcher, I believe this blend of progress and growth will shape the Autism Society’s future work. Combining scientific rigor with personal experiences offers hope for a more inclusive, comprehensive approach to Autism advocacy.

The Future:
By: Kait Reis, Autism Society of America Board Member

As a mother of a son with Autism, I’ve learned that every breakthrough, no matter how small, is a celebration. Whether it’s trying a new food, making eye contact, or expressing his feelings in his own unique way, each step forward fills me with pride. What he needs most is understanding, patience, and a world that sees his potential, not just his challenges. When others take the time to truly connect with him, it’s a gift that not only enriches his life but also reminds me how much kindness can transform a moment.

My son Austin has a deep love for the ocean and surfing, but like many on the spectrum, he tends to wander, making outings near water challenging. The Autism Society of America’s Safety on the Spectrum Wandering Resource Guide has been a game-changer for us. It provided our family with practical tips to stay vigilant and proactive. Whether at the beach or pool, we always designate a Water Watcher to ensure Austin stays safe, allowing him to enjoy the water while giving us peace of mind.

Navigating the world with him has shown me the power of advocacy and the importance of creating inclusive spaces. Every child deserves to feel valued and understood, and it’s a collective effort to make that a reality. As his mom, I’ve become his voice in places where he might not yet be heard, but I dream of a day when the world will listen naturally, without prompting. For us, Autism isn’t a limitation—it’s a different way of experiencing life, and when we embrace that, we open the door to a more compassionate and vibrant world for everyone.

As we look ahead, we continue our essential work to create connections, build more opportunities, and remain rooted in hope for a better future. Your support allows the Autism Society to expand its reach and program offerings for another sixty years, and beyond.