Autistica is a UK charity devoted to raising and investing funds into biomedical research and peer-reviewed studies on autism.[1] Autistica’s stated goals include determining the causes and biological bases of autism spectrum disorders, improving diagnoses of autism, and advancing and evaluating new treatments and interventions, with an eye towards improving quality of life for people affected by autism.[2]
Autistica was founded in 2004 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley.[3] Up until January 1, 2010 Autistica operated as the UK affiliate of US-based Autism Speaks under the name Autism Speaks UK.[4] Autistica is registered in and operates throughout England and Wales.[5]
The mission and goals of Autistica are distinct from those of the UK-based National Autistic Society (NAS). While Autistica concentrates its efforts on enabling and promoting scientific research on autism, NAS focuses on the rights and interests of individuals affected by autism.[6]
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Autistica considers autism the most serious challenge facing medical science today. The organisation notes that the condition imposes a large financial burden on individuals afflicted by it, their families, and society as a whole. The effects of autism have the potential to be extreme and life-long, and they are estimated to cost nearly £28 billion a year in the UK alone.[7] Furthermore, as there remains a humbling lack of knowledge about the specific causes of autism, Autistica is concerned with continuing to fund studies into the factors behind the condition.[8]
In 2009, Autistica provided a total of £940,000 to its beneficiaries in autism research.[9]
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