The Autism Society of America and  Autism Speaks  are two of the many organizations that work to raise autism awareness. Organizations of this type work hard to bring awareness of these disorders to a heightened level and to raise money that will support research. It is necessary to continue research, as not all of the information that is needed has been found, yet it is possible for a treatment breakthrough to be found that might some day lead to a cure.

In 1965, Bernard Rimland, Phd. started the Autism Society of America, also known as the ASA. Today, it is the oldest and largest autistic organization in the world. The ASA has over 120,000 supporters and members and does their part in raising autism awareness. Another widely known advocate for autism is Autism Speaks. This organization was started in 2005 Bob and Suzanne Wright, after finding out that their grandson had autism. AS is based in New York City.

The month of April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. During April, U.S. television shows dedicate episodes to different aspects of autistic disorders. Also, many companies and organizations have teamed up to raise awareness for autism disorders and funds to help with research. In December 2007, a resolution that declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day was passed by the United Nations. Having awareness raised to these levels is extremely important if huge strides will ever be made in solving the autism puzzle.

Of course, organizations that are working to raise the level of autism awareness are hoping to one day find a cure for these disorders. Finding a cure or even finding out more about the disorders, so that more can be done to help the individuals who are affected by it, means more extensive research. Organizations, like AS and The ASA, work to raise money for such research and to educate society about how these disorders affect individuals. Unless the effects have been witnessed first hand, it might be difficult to realize just how devastating these disorders are, and how families attempt to cope everyday while caring for individuals who are stricken.