| Autism rights movement |
|---|
| Philosophy |
| Neurodiversity · Neurotypical · Sociological and cultural aspects |
| Organizations |
| Autism National Committee · Autism Network International · Autistic Self Advocacy Network · National Autistic Society |
| Events |
| Autistic Pride Day · Autreat |
| Issues |
| Judge Rotenberg Educational Center · Karen McCarron |
The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network or ASAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization for individuals on the Autism spectrum, and is run by Autistic people. ASAN believes that the goal of Autism advocacy should be a world in which Autistic people enjoy the same access, rights, and opportunities as all other people.[1] ASAN was founded in 2006 by Autistic self-advocates Ari Ne'eman and Scott Robertson. [2] Scott Robertson is now Chairman of the Board of ASAN.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network provides support, services, and public policy advocacy for those on the Autism spectrum while working to improve the public perception of Autism and related conditions. ASAN's viewpoint emphasizes that the Autism spectrum and those on it are important and necessary parts of the wide diversity present in human genetics. In moving away from dated pathological models, ASAN supports a new approach emphasizing the unique challenges and strengths of Autistic individuals. ASAN is committed to working towards educational and societal inclusion, respect, and tolerance for neurological diversity and a better future for all individuals on the Autism spectrum.
ASAN promotes Autism awareness through public policy initiatives, educational consulting, social and support groups, a speaker's bureau, media outreach, and other endeavors.
ASAN is the Autistic community partner for the Academic Autistic Partnership In Research and Education (AASPIRE).[3] The AASPIRE project brings together the academic community and the Autistic community to develop and perform research projects relevant to the needs of autistic adults.
In addition to launching the Autistic Video Project[4] in conjunction with Autreach,[5] ASAN has recently promoted awareness regarding Autism through such public outlets as Good Morning America and Newsweek magazine[6].