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Autism Society of America

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Autism Society of America
Founded1965
FoundersBernard Rimland,[1] Ruth C. Sullivan, and others
Legal status501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
HeadquartersRockville, Maryland, United States
Lori A. Ireland[2]
Christopher Banks
SubsidiariesAutism Society of America Foundation[3]
Revenue$2,396,020[3] (2013)
Expenses$2,378,089[3] (2013)
Endowment$50,000[3]
Employees27[3] (2013)
Volunteers20[3] (2013)
Websitewww.autismsociety.org
Formerly called
National Society for Autistic Children[4]

The Autism Society of America (ASA) was founded in 1965[5] by Bernard Rimland[1] together with Ruth C. Sullivan and a small group of other parents of children with autism. Its original name was the National Society for Autistic Children;[4] the name was changed to emphasize that autistic children grow up. The ASA's stated goal is to increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by autistic people as well as their families and the professionals with whom they interact.[6] Although the group has promoted the pseudoscientific belief that vaccines cause autism in the past, it now affirms that there is no link between vaccination and autism.[7] In 2021, the ASA launched a new brand including a logo consisting of multicolor lines forming a fabric with a new slogan, "The Connection Is You".[8]

Founders

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Bernard Rimland

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Main article: Bernard Rimland

Bernard Rimland (November 15, 1928 – November 21, 2006) was an American research psychologist, writer, lecturer, and influential person in the field of developmental disorders who is known for promoting autism-related pseudoscience. In 1964, Dr. Bernard Rimland wrote a book, Infantile Autism, that convinced others working in the field that autism is a physiological disorder, not a mental or emotional problem.[9] Rimland was a founder of the Autism Society of America in 1965, but left to create the Autism Research Institute in 1967.[10] He later promoted several theories, which have since been disproven, about the causes and treatment of autism, including vaccine denial, facilitated communication, chelation therapy, and false claims of a link between secretin and autism.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Some Key Dates in Autism History". The Washington Post July 1, 2008. p. F5.
  2. ^ "[1]". Autism Society of America. Accessed on March 26, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax". Autism Society of America. Guidestar. December 31, 2013.
  4. ^ a b Campbell, Susan. "A place for miracles? Institute offers option for autistic children". St. Petersburg Times. April 13, 1988.
  5. ^ "About the Autism Society". Autism Society. Retrieved 2019-02-25.
  6. ^ "Autism Organizations". Autism Key. January 2011. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  7. ^ "Statement of the Autism Society of America on Vaccine Safety". Autism Society. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  8. ^ "Autism Society's New Brand Launch". 15 November 2021.
  9. ^ Krause, Audrie. "Authority on Autism Speaks from Experience: Doctor Began Research After His Son Was Diagnosed with Disorder 30 Years Ago". The Fresno Bee. November 18, 1987.
  10. ^ Carey, Benedict (November 28, 2006). "Bernard Rimland, 78, Scientist Who Revised View of Autism, Dies". New York Times. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
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