Autism Speaks

Dear Brother” is a heartfelt letter from Jude to his brother Charlie who has profound autism. It’s a quiet look into the kind of love, patience, and loyalty that holds so many families together. We’re grateful to share their story today.

When you go to Santa Cares by @Cherry Hill programs, Santa knows that autistic individuals have some different interaction needs and is ready to accommodate those needs! Reserve your spot at https://lnkd.in/g9P6-dxK #redefinepossible #santacares #sensorysanta

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb speaks with Santa Wade, a longtime Cherry Hill Programs Santa who is specially trained to support and engage autistic children during their holiday photo experience. Autism Speaks partners with Cherry Hill to help prepare Santas and staff to create calm, welcoming, sensory-aware environments so every child can enjoy a moment with Santa in their own way. Join us as we explore what an inclusive Santa visit really looks like, the small adjustments that make a big difference, and the joy of creating meaningful holiday memories for families of children with autism. Click here to tune in to new episode: https://lnkd.in/gSpZkQ_q

Autism Speaks is seeking a strategic thinker, a relationship-driven leader, and an inspiring mentor who will successfully lead and grow all fundraising and revenue efforts to expand our mission impact. We are looking for someone who values collaboration, transparency and an inclusive and supportive culture. To learn more, check out the Chief Development Officer role! https://lnkd.in/ef53Vciz

The @Cherry Hill Programs Santa Cares program provides a sensory-safe environment for autistic individuals to get their one-on-one time with Santa! Reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/g9P6-dxK

Want to join us in Washington, D.C., for the Autism Speaks Advocacy Forum & Hill Day? A limited number of scholarships are available to cover hotel expenses for those who would otherwise be unable to attend due to cost. Apply by December 7 to be considered for this opportunity to advocate for change and connect with others who share your commitment to autism advocacy: https://lnkd.in/gmWb-cDt #AutismAdvocacy #AutismSpeaksHillDay #RedefinePossible

Statement on the CDC’s Recent Website Change on Vaccines and Autism This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published new content on its website declaring that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” lacks evidence. We are disappointed by this shift, as this change may create confusion. We want to reiterate our long-standing perspective that vaccines do not cause autism and clarify what the science shows. As an organization long invested in rigorous autism research and in supporting autistic people and their families, we believe this change undermines decades of clear scientific consensus. More than 20 years of high-quality research involving millions of children has demonstrated no causal link between vaccines and autism. The few studies that have implied otherwise are extremely limited, methodologically flawed, and have not been reproducible. Two of the changes are especially concerning: 1. It dismisses robust, established evidence. The updated CDC page elevates weak, outdated studies, such as a 20-year-old parent survey of 77 respondents. These highlighted studies do not meaningfully challenge the overwhelming body of research on autism. 2. It relies on long-discredited correlations.
The page repeats the claim that autism prevalence “correlates” with the rise in childhood vaccines. This does not mean causation, and this argument has been repeatedly debunked. Finally, we are also concerned that these updates will pull attention, funding, and energy away from the research and supports the autism community urgently needs—lifespan services, co-occurring health conditions, mental-health supports, and efforts that genuinely improve quality of life for autistic people and their families. We urge the CDC to restore fact-based language, reaffirm that vaccines do not cause autism, and redirect focus toward research and programs that address the critical priorities of autistic individuals and their families. We remain committed to advancing the well-being of autistic people through science, clarity, and responsible public-health communication. https://lnkd.in/gEaZHK-i

For families of autistic individuals, travel checklists can be a bit longer. Here are a few tips, tricks, and reminders to help make the holiday season more joyful and peaceful for everyone. Learn more at https://ow.ly/fLzW50Xuf5e Add your favorite tips in the comments! #autismcaretaker #thanksgiving #holidays #redefinepossible

Holiday Travel is coming soon! If you're an autistic adult, we have a few tips and reminders to help you self advocate to a safe and comfortable Thanksgiving holiday! For more resources, visit https://lnkd.in/eep797Fs Share your favorite tips in the comments!

When Tricia's son, Blake, received an autism diagnosis, she recognized the importance of early intervention. Her dedication to getting him the support he needed has helped him become a thriving high school student today. Read more about their story at: https://lnkd.in/g5u9CWwD #caregiverappreciation #autismcaregiver #redefinepossible