Autism Society of America

What Autism Society of America does

The Autism Society of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1965 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. It is the nation's oldest grassroots autism organization, operating a network of 70+ local affiliates that collectively serve more than 500,000 individuals and families annually through advocacy, education, employment support, and direct service programs. Core offerings include the National Helpline (1-800-328-8476), the Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) — a CDC-founded health equity program that has administered 178,000+ vaccinations and trained 8,500+ healthcare professionals across 23 states since 2022 — the Language of Bedwetting AAC communication tool developed with Kimberly-Clark's Goodnites, the It Takes Two water safety and wandering prevention program, the Autism Justice Center, an Employment Initiative, the Autism Acceptance Month campaign, and a Training & Resource Center. Resources are available in 20+ languages.

The underlying technology is modest: rather than proprietary platforms, the organization develops accessible communication tools and downloadable resources, including the Language of Bedwetting AAC vocabulary system (100+ symbols that integrate with existing AAC apps) and the Vaccine Education Initiative's accessible vaccine kits, social stories, visual schedules, and communication boards. Distribution occurs through a multi-channel network combining a national helpline, 70+ local affiliates, an e-commerce store, the VoterVoice advocacy platform, social media, and a healthcare partner network. There is no proprietary technology platform, no public API, and no mobile application.

Revenue is generated primarily through individual and corporate donations, federal and government grants (Autism CARES Act at nearly $400M in FY2026, CDC, USAging/Administration for Community Living), corporate partnerships (Goodnites, SAP, Nickelodeon), workplace giving campaigns (CFC #11808, United Way), branded merchandise sales, and membership dues. All core services and resources are provided free of charge, with a freemium pricing model and a community-led go-to-market motion built on grassroots advocacy, affiliate networks, and the national helpline. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Tracey Staley and led by President and CEO Christopher Banks.

Name

Autism Society of America

Legal name

Autism Society of America

Website

https://autismsociety.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Advocacy and Autism Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Educational Support Services (61171), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Assistive Technology & Learning Tools (Educational) (EDAKAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Communication Support (AAC, Pragmatics & Language) (EDAKAKAG), Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL), Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB)

Keywords

• Autism advocacy services
• Disability support resources
• Community health equity
• Nonprofit education programs
• Accessible vaccination services

Headquarters

HQ city

Rockville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: The organization relies heavily on individual donations, corporate donations, and workplace giving campaigns. Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #11808) and United Way designations allow supporters to contribute through payroll deduction.
2. Government Grants: Receives federal funding through programs like the Autism CARES Act, CDC grants, and USAging grants for specific initiatives such as the Vaccine Education Initiative.
3. Merchandise Sales: Operates an online store selling branded merchandise including shirts, tote bags, and other items. Proceeds support the organization's mission.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Collaborates with corporate partners like Goodnites/Kimberly-Clark, SAP, and others for program funding, co-branded initiatives, and cause marketing.
5. Membership Dues: Offers membership opportunities for individuals to support the organization and gain access to resources and network connections.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Autism Society of America provides advocacy, education, and community support services for autistic individuals and their families through a network of 70+ local affiliates, a national helpline, and national programs such as the Vaccine Education Initiative, Language of Bedwetting AAC resource, Autism Justice Center, It Takes Two water-safety program, Employment Initiative, and Training & Resource Center. Core services are offered free of charge and supplemented by an online store, donations, and grants.

Product overview

The Autism Society of America offers a portfolio of programs, services, and resources centered on advocacy, education, and community support for individuals with Autism. The organization operates primarily as a service and advocacy organization rather than a software product company. Key offerings include the Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI), a CDC-founded national health equity program; the National Helpline providing Information & Referral support; the Language of Bedwetting AAC communication tool developed with Goodnites; the It Takes Two water safety program; the Autism Justice Center; Training & Resource Center; and an Affiliate Network of 70+ local chapters. The organization also runs awareness campaigns including Autism Acceptance Month and the Autism Is campaign, plus an Employment Initiative. Products include an online store. The portfolio is unified by the mission of creating connections and empowering the Autism community with resources to live fully.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) A national program that addresses systemic barriers to vaccination while promoting vaccine education, confidence, and access for people with Autism and all neurodiverse individuals. Focuses on health equity through accessible vaccination procedures, training healthcare providers, and community education.
• National Helpline A toll-free helpline (1-800-328-8476) available Monday-Friday 9:00am-7:00pm (Eastern Time), staffed by Information & Referral Specialists who connect individuals and families to resources, support services, and affiliate referrals in the Autism community.
• Language of Bedwetting AAC Tool A free Augmentative and Alternative Communication vocabulary system with over 100 symbols designed to help non-verbal and Autistic children express needs, wants, and feelings around bedwetting. Integrates with existing AAC apps.
• It Takes Two (Water and Wandering Program) A national initiative designed to reduce drowning related to wandering incidents for those most at risk, partnered with Diversity in Aquatics for water safety education and aquatic accessibility.
• Autism Justice Center A center focused on advocacy and resources for justice-related issues affecting the Autism community, including federal prison oversight and disability rights.
• Training & Resource Center An online platform providing training, certifications, and resources to meet growing community needs, including professional development for healthcare providers on accessible vaccination.
• Employment Initiative A national program focused on expanding employment opportunities and addressing systemic barriers to employment for Autistic individuals, including partnerships with employers like SAP and technology-enabled job matching through Mentra.
• Affiliate Network (70+ Local Affiliates) A network of more than 70 local affiliates providing in-person support, advocacy, education, and community support services across the United States.
• Autism Society Store (Online Merchandise) An online store selling branded merchandise including shirts and tote bags that support the Autism community, with proceeds funding the organization's mission.
• Accessible Vaccine Kits Physical kits containing anxiety-reducing tools and resources distributed (65,000+) to individuals and organizations to support accessible vaccination experiences for autistic and neurodiverse individuals, assembled with Ventures ATL.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12M+ individuals reached through vaccine education outreach
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Diversity in AquaticsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026Partnership focused on advancing inclusive water safety, drowning prevention, aquatic accessibility, and community engagement for autistic individuals. Addresses need for equitable access to water safety education, adaptive aquatic opportunities, and inclusive environments, particularly for historically underserved communities.
• Goodnites (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2026Collaboration to develop the 'Language of Bedwetting,' the first complete Augmentative and Alternative Communication system designed to help non-verbal and autistic children express needs around bedwetting. The free downloadable resource includes over 100 symbols and integrates with existing AAC apps. Launch coincided with World Autism Awareness Day 2026.
• MentracoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 October 2023Collaboration to connect autistic job seekers with employers who value neurodiverse talent. Partnership aims to eradicate employment barriers through technology-enabled job matching and self-advocacy support.
• CDC/AUCDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVEI started as a CDC-funded, AUCD sub-award pilot program in 2021 and launched network-wide in February 2022 across 12 affiliates. Partnership focuses on vaccine education, confidence, and access for disability communities.
• Immunize.orgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided healthcare professional training titled 'Improving the Vaccination Experience: Accessible Vaccination for Neurodiverse People at Any Age.' Recognized that Autism Society's vaccine resources and tools are transformative.
• Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on healthcare and parent/caregiver modules for the Vaccine Education Initiative, developing training materials for accessible vaccination.
• American Academy of PediatricscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported a project in Louisiana that dispelled vaccine misinformation and promoted vaccine confidence, leveraging community health infrastructure to implement culturally affirming COVID-19 vaccine confidence-building strategies.
• APhA (American Pharmacists Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to support Operation Immunization through education, training, community engagement, and accessible vaccine clinics.
• Skippack PharmacyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommitted to promoting health equity by providing accessible and inclusive vaccination services for all, bridging gaps in healthcare access.
• Ventures ATLminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNon-profit providing meaningful employment to adults with autism and developmental differences. Partnered to assemble, pack, and ship accessible vaccine kits to affiliates and clinics nationwide.
• SAP (Autism at Work Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJose Velasco, former SAP Autism at Work Ambassador and Chief Product Strategist, joined the Autism Society's Board and later staff. SAP's Autism at Work program placed 700+ autistic individuals. Continued collaboration on employment initiatives.
• ICI's ThinkWorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to promote integrated employment for youth with autism through resources, training, and advocacy.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Autism Speaks: The largest U.S. autism advocacy and science-focused nonprofit. Directly comparable as a national autism organization raising funds, funding research, driving federal policy (Autism CARES Act), and supporting families through grants and resources.
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): Disability-rights nonprofit run by and for autistic adults. Directly comparable to ASA in policy advocacy, public education, and resource distribution for the autism community, but with a self-advocacy lens.
• Organization for Autism Research (OAR): National autism organization funding applied research and disseminating results. Comparable to ASA in mission focus (autism), national reach, and resource production for families and professionals.
• Autism Research Institute (ARI): Long-standing autism nonprofit focused on research and education for individuals, families, and professionals. Comparable to ASA on mission, audience overlap (autistic individuals and providers), and a multi-decade operating history.

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: Large national disability-services nonprofit with an affiliate network model and direct services for autism and other disabilities. Comparable to ASA in operating a multi-site affiliate network delivering local services, advocacy, and resources.
• The Arc: National disability-rights nonprofit with a federated chapter structure serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Comparable to ASA on national advocacy, affiliate model, and family-support services.
• Best Buddies International: National nonprofit creating employment and friendship opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable to ASA on employment-focused programs and corporate partner engagement for disability inclusion.
• Special Olympics: Global nonprofit providing sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Comparable to ASA on national-program scale, affiliate/state network, federal-grant reliance, and corporate-partner fundraising model.
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): Disability-focused national advocacy organization delivering programming, policy advocacy, and resources. Comparable to ASA on national advocacy footprint, awareness-campaign model, and direct-to-family support services.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): National grassroots mental-health advocacy organization with affiliate network and helpline. Comparable to ASA on affiliate-led local delivery, federal-grant funding, helpline operations, and policy-advocacy fundraising model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/autismsociety
• Facebookfacebook.com/AutismSociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autism-society-of-america
• Instagraminstagram.com/autismsociety

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Autism Society of America