Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is an organization working to fund research to find the cause or a cure for autism, and is determined to spread awareness of the disease and gain financial support in order to fund their ongoing research. Autism Speaks' Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is their signature fundraising and awareness event, which takes place in communities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. At last year’s Pasadena walk, Julia Reading and Molly Hogin were the co-captains of the Archer School for Girls team. “When we first volunteered at the Children’s Hospital, we admittedly had little idea about what Autism actually is, but being around so many affected parents made me realize that that this is a pressing issue in the medical community that has been neglected for too long,” says Hogin. Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism. They also raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society, and bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to the concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is Autism Speaks’ firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.