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The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non profit organization run by and for autistics. Our leadership is made up entirely of self-advocates on the autism spectrum. We also have members from other neurodiverse groups as well as neurotypical family members, professionals, educators and friends. ASAN was created to improve the representation of the autistic community in public policy discussions as well as to advance the autistic culture movement. We work to provide support and services to individuals on the autism spectrum while educating policymakers and communities about the autism spectrum. ...->
News Alert
ADA Amendment Act Passed: The U.S. House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee unanimously passed the ADA Amendments Act, which seeks to affirm civil protections of Americans with disabilities. ASAN President Ari Ne'eman joined other advocates in announcing the formation of the Employer & Disability Alliance to promote the act's potential benefits for millions with disabilities should it be voted into law. Click here to read the press release.

Autistic Pride Day Celebrated: The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network wished the autistic community a Happy Autistic Pride Day on June 18.

PA Adult Waiver Approved: Pennsylvania's Bureau of Autism Services has announced the federal government's approval of the first Medicaid Waiver program in the U.S. specifically for autistic adults. ASAN Vice President Scott Robertson served on the advisory committee that informed the development of the waiver program. Click here to read more about the Medicaid waiver program.

Autistic Video Project: Autreach in the United Kingdom and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network in the U.S. and Australia are jointly organizing a new video project about autistic perspectives. Click here to read more about the project (PDF)

ALEX BARTON UPDATE: Wendy Portillo, the kindergarten teacher who humiliated autistic student Alex Barton, has been sidelined from her classroom by the Port St. Lucie School District pending an investigation, according to local newspaper reports. ASAN is appreciative of the hundreds of concerned individuals worldwide who have emailed the school district in support of our response effort denouncing Portillo's actions.

NATE TSEGLIN FREED: Following a hearing for which ASAN submitted an amicus brief, Nate Tseglin, an autistic young adult in California, has been freed from the Fairview Developmental Center where he had been kept against his and his family's will under heavy psychotropic medication.

Autistic Student Shunned: A 5 year-old autistic kindergartener in Port St. Lucie, Florida was voted out of class by his peers on May 21. Click here to read more about the incident and to learn how to contact the school district to voice your concerns.

Autistic Self-Advocate Commemorated: A staff member of the Blakepool Tiggers, an autistic children's social club in the U.K., participated in the Great Manchester Run on May 18 to commemorate autistic self-advocate Genevieve Edmonds, who died in February.

Task Force Addressed: ASAN President Ari Ne'eman addressed the Florida Autism Task Force on World Autism Day. Click here to read his comments.

World Autism Day Commemorated: ASAN-Australia issued a press release on World Autism Day

IACC Testimony Presented: ASAN President Ari Ne'eman presented testimony to the Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee. Click here to read the testimony.

Autistic Self-Advocate Mourned: The Autistic Community mourns the death of Genevieve Edmonds. Click here to read more

UPDATE: ASAN and the disability community's united efforts succeed in getting the NYU Child Study Center to withdraw the "Ransom Notes" ad campaign. Click here to read more.

NYU Campaign Update:ASAN and 20 disability rights organizations signed a joint letter calling on the NYU Child Study Center to withdraw the Ransom Notes ad campaign. Click here for the press release and click here to sign the letter.

Urgent Action Required: The NYU Ransom Notes campaign defames people on the autism spectrum and others of neurological difference. Click here to take action.

Kentucky Update: The charges against Nathan Darnell, the 6 year-old autistic student in Kentucky, have been dropped. Thank you to all who contacted the Bracken County School System. Click here to read more.
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The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is an all volunteer organization.
All funds donated will go towards our programming activities to help empower the autistic community.
To make a donation, please e-mail donations@autisticadvocacy.org

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