About Us

The Autism Science Foundation

ASF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with autism and their families by funding scientific research to understand the causes of autism and to develop better treatments. At ASF, we believe the greatest gift we can offer our families is innovative autism research that will enable individuals with autism to lead fulfilling lives with dignity.

Our Mission

ASF’s mission is to support autism research by providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research. We also provide information about autism to the general public and serve to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism.

Our organization adheres to rigorous scientific standards and values. We believe that outstanding research is the greatest gift we can offer our families. Every research dollar counts.

The Autism Science Foundation’s mission is premised on the following facts and principles:

Autism is known to have a strong heritable component. Research must aim to discover the mechanisms of action that trigger autism, as well as safe, effective and novel treatments to enhance the quality of life for children and adults.
Early diagnosis and early intervention are critical to helping people with autism reach their potential, but educational, vocational and support services must be applied across the lifespan. Science has a critical role to play in creating evidence-based, effective lifespan interventions.
Families and individuals affected by ASD deserve scientifically sound and evidence-based information about the causes of autism, early detection and diagnosis, intervention opportunities, services, and supports. Families and individuals with autism should have direct access to the best scientific information.

ASF is a nonprofit corporation organized for charitable and educational purposes, and exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.