The consolidation of the two charities is based on their joint commitment to accelerate and fund biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders; to increase awareness of the fastest growing developmental disorder in the US; and to advocate for the needs of affected families.
Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 166 children, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis has increased tenfold in the last decade and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
“The completion of this merger marks the tipping point in the autism community, bringing together the best science, collaborative minds and impassioned advocates,” said Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks. “A unified autism community is better prepared to ensure that the general public is aware and responsive to this national healthcare crisis.”
Autism Speaks will adopt the National Alliance for Autism Research’s (NAAR) distinguished scientific advisory board and also its scientific advisory committee. The new organization will also maintain and expand NAAR’s international Walk for Autism Research grassroots fundraising program and its international affiliates.