Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

Walk Now for Autism is a 5K family walk and an autism community resource fair heightening public awareness and raising money to fund autism research. Scheduled for 80 U.S. cities in 2009, Walk Now for Autism's national appeal extends beyond the autism community.

Attendees include families and friends united in their support of those affected by autism; business and civic leaders; medical professionals; educators; and local and national celebrities. Attendees come from a wealth of backgrounds and ethnicities sharing a commitment to funding the missing piece of the puzzle.

Description:
No other organization offers the nationwide, comprehensive mission funding Research, Awareness, Advocacy and Community Services. As such, Autism Speaks serves as the national umbrella for the entire autism community. Autism Speaks unique approach works to advance the science, provide a united voice for the community, and invites the general public in to become part of our crusade.

History:
Autism Speaks was founded by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child on the spectrum. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. Bob Wright also serves on the board of directors of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and Mission Product, LLC.

Contact person: Eileen Hopkins, Project Manager, (phone), (email)

Address:

2 Park Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10016 (See a map)