"Four times an hour every working day, a child or adult is diagnosed with autism in the UK. Yet autism receives only a fraction of the research funding of much rarer conditions such as childhood leukaemia or cystic fibrosis. Autism Speaks is working to change this. For too long autism has been a hidden disorder. Now it is time to listen - and act."
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is the only registered charity in the UK raising funds for biomedical research into the causes of autism spectrum disorders.
The charity was launched in the UK by autism campaigner and philanthropist, Dame Stephanie Shirley in 2004.
The exact cause or causes of autism are at present unknown but there is increasing evidence that accelerating autism research could transform our understanding of autism and lead to more effective interventions and treatments.
Autism is one of the most significant but least researched developmental disorders and Autism Speaks has set itself the task of achieving major research breakthroughs within ten years. It believes that the most effective interventions will come from a clear understanding of the causes and biological mechanisms of autism.
It is motivated by the knowledge that autism imposes an extremely heavy financial and emotional burden on those affected, those who care for them and, ultimately, on society.
Autism Speaks also supports the All-Party Group on Autism and campaigns for more awareness about autism.
Autism Speaks regularly hosts House of Commons Receptions
Autism Speaks is a sister charity of the American charity of the same name. Autism Speaks in the US is the world's biggest non-governmental funder of biomedical autism research. The initiative in bringing the American model to the UK was taken by Dame Stephanie Shirley in the belief that the creation of the transatlantic link will lay the foundation for a global organisation to address a global challenge.