Local Support

Our impact at the Autism Society relies upon the tremendous work and  support of our 70 local and state affiliates. Through our affiliate network,  the Autism Society has a national reach with meaningful, local impact.  Grassroots advocacy allows us to serve Autistic individuals and  community members with localized services and supports. The  commitment, dedication, and resiliency of our affiliate network has  strengthened our impact and connection to the Autism community.

Map of Affiliates

What are affiliates?

The affiliate network consists of a diverse group of local Autism Society organizations across the United States that delivers the organization’s mission within assigned service areas. The diversity of the affiliate network is reflected in its geographic service area, programming,  capacity, structure, revenue and longevity.

We recognize that the strength of the affiliate network lies in its people – Board members, staff, committees, volunteers, partners – and its ability  to provide meaningful mission impact within the communities they serve.

What do affiliates do?

Affiliates are the direct link to connecting the Autism community to the  support and services that are needed. Affiliates serve individuals and  families across the Autism lifespan in the core service areas of  information & referral (I&R), support, education, advocacy, and  community programming. Each affiliate tailors its strategic direction and  programming based upon the needs of its own community.

Our Reach

Start a new Affiliate!

The Autism Society is committed to ensuring that everyone in the Autism community is connected to the resources needed, and we support development and onboarding of new Autism Society affiliates in areas that are not currently being served.

If you are interested in starting a new affiliate in your area:

  1. Please review our Starting A New Affiliate resource
  2. Send a follow up email to Pete Schwarz, Vice President of Affiliate Relations, at pschwarz@autismsociety.org, to setup a meeting and to discuss next steps.

Affiliate of the Year

The Autism Society’s Affiliate of the Year award is given to an  affiliate that has executed the organization’s mission and vision at  the local level; this affiliate demonstrates positive impact,
and is a  trusted leader within their community.

In 2023, the Affiliate of the Year award went to the Autism Society  Northwestern Pennsylvania,
and their tremendous efforts  supporting the local Autism community. Programmatic efforts  include:

Skills to Pay the Bills:

Empowering individuals with  essential life and job skills like banking, cooking, and  household tasks.

Friends & Pals Teen Club Bridge to Success:

The group  uses the “Healthy Relationships” curriculum to support  individuals with Autism in developing vital social skills like  social media safety.

Drive to Success:

Participants gain hands-on experience  and training by interacting with local law enforcement,  simulating real traffic stops to prepare for potential

Family Sensory & Social Outings:

The group  uses the “Healthy Relationships” curriculum to support  individuals with Autism in developing vital social skills like  social media safety.

Autism 101: Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace:

This new program is a significant step toward  creating inclusive workplaces. It raises awareness about Autism and promotes the understanding of neurodiversity  among employers, fostering a more inclusive and  supportive work environment.

Affiliate Highlights

Autism Society
of Idaho

Autism Society of Idaho achieved a major milestone in 2023 when the organization successfully merged two affiliates to represent Autistic individuals and their families across the entire state of Idaho. This change brought many benefits to the Autism community in Idaho including; allowing the Autism Society to speak with one voice at the state legislature in advocating for policies and funding that support Autistic residents.

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Autism Society of Maryland

The Autism Hiring Program, an initiative of the Autism Society of  Maryland, advances workplace neurodiversity, connecting  businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled Autistic adults,  and targeting jobseekers not supported by existing systems in  Maryland. Since its start in 2021, the program has placed 55  Autistic workers in meaningful jobs and built a pipeline of 25+  employers. Graduates of the program, many of them with

some college or college degrees, are currently working in  Cyber/IT, Retail, Administration, Recreation, Engineering,  Warehouse, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Security, Manufacturing,  among other professions.

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Autism Society
of Texas

Thanks to the Vaccine Equity Initiative, the Autism Society of Texas  was able to increase health equity among people with Autism  through community training events and practical support  techniques across Texas. They offered free, interactive seminars in  English and Spanish, to local hospitals and doctor’s offices, dental  practices, as well as for parents and other support professionals in  the Autism community. Training healthcare professionals to  work effectively with members of the Autism community benefited both groups immensely, improving healthcare access,  communication and treatment outcomes.

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Your support can make a tangible difference. Help us raise  public awareness, educate lawmakers, and transform lives.  Support this bold endeavor by making a financial commitment to  the Autism Justice Center. Together, we can create a world  where every Autistic individual can thrive without bias or  barriers.

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