Autism Speaks: Frequently Asked Questions

Research and fellowship awards have different funding guidelines. Please refer to individual RFAs for more details.

Autism Speaks research funds are the direct result of generous donations from the community and our WALK FOR AUTISM RESEARCH walkathons.

To get more information on how Autism Speaks uses contributions, please email givenow@cureautismnow.org . You can also visit our website at http://www.cangivenow.org/06give or call us at (323) 549-0500 for more information.

Team captains will receive all the support necessary to be successful. Team captains will receive a series of pre-Walk progress reports that include team building and fundraising tips, and other important information about the Walk.

Worldwide Autism Speaks has supported nearly 300 projects over the last ten years. In 2006 124 grants were made in total including nearly 100 under the Pilot Project and Mentored Fellowship schemes. Of the projects supported worldwide, more than 30 have been or are in the UK. UK researchers are currently leading the second phase of International Autism Genome Project sponsored by Autism Speaks. ...

Worldwide Autism Speaks has supported nearly 850 projects over the last ten years. In 2007, nearly 200 grants were made, including over 50 grants funding pilot projects, 31 fellowship awards, and 29 Family Services Community Grants. Of the projects supported worldwide, more than 30 have been or are in the UK. UK researchers are currently leading the second phase of International Autism Genome Project sponsored by Autism Speaks. ...

Autism Speaks focuses on four key areas of autism research: causes, treatment, diagnosis and the underlying biological basis of autism. Autism Speaks directs funding to these areas through a range of competitive programmes including pilot projects designed to test new hypotheses about autism, mentored fellowships designed to attract the brightest young recruits to autism research; career development awards for experienced researchers, and programme grants for major studies in key areas. ...

Autism Speaks focuses on four key areas of autism research: causes, treatment, diagnosis and the underlying biological basis of autism. Autism Speaks directs funding to these areas through a range of competitive programmes including pilot projects designed to test new hypotheses about autism, mentored fellowships designed to attract the brightest young recruits to autism research; career development awards for experienced researchers, and programme grants for major studies in key areas. ...

Based on our deepening understanding of the genetics of autism and of differences in the autistic brain, Autism Speaks believes that significant progress in determining and understanding the causes of autism will be made over the next ten years. Research on the baby siblings of children affected by autism, who are known to be at higher risk, is bringing forward the point at which early signs of unusual development can be detected to around one year of age. ...

Approximately 40% of the value of all items sold directly by Autism Speaks benefits our mission. In addition, you are raising autism awareness everywhere your Autism Speaks gear and accessories is seen! (This does not apply to partners of Autism Speaks or items that are purchased through third parties. Their contributions are closely monitored and all have signed agreements to guarantee their contribution. Some partners' contributions are in excess of 40% of the item sale price. )

Autism Speaks does not allow third parties to use the Autism Speaks logo on its products unless it appears in the online store. If it is not in the Online Store or being sold at an Autism Speaks staffed event, it is probably not the real thing and we cannot account for your purchase or contribution. If you think products are being sold without authorization, please email us at