Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization that funds evidence-based autism research and supports autism families.[8] The organization was founded in April 2009 by Alison Tepper Singer, a former senior executive of Autism Speaks and the longest-serving public member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), and Karen Margulis London, co-founder of the National Alliance for Autism Research. Both Singer and London are parents of autistic children.
Activities[edit]
Since 2014, ASF has hosted annual Days of Learning, TED-style science conferences.
ASF offers numerous funding opportunities for scientists, and has been nationally recognized for its support of early career researchers. The organization currently offers pre- and postdoctoral fellowships, two-year post undergraduate fellowships, medical school gap year fellowships, and undergraduate summer research awards.[15][16]
ASF has been a sponsor of the "International Society for Autism Research" (INSAR) since 2009, and has interviewed numerous researchers at the event.[17]
In 2019, Alison Singer, the president of the ASF, announced that she had joined the National Council on Severe Autism.[18]
In 2020, ASF partnered with Els for Autism to form Sam's Sibs Stick Together, which aims to offer extra support for autism siblings, present findings of research that focus on siblings and discuss resources available for siblings of all ages.
Funding[edit]
Vaccinologist Dr. Paul Offit, a founding board member of the Autism Science Foundation, donates all royalties from his book Deadly Choices to the ASF.[19] The Autism Science Foundation also receives royalties from paperback sales of Dr. Offit's previous book, Autism's False Prophets.[20]
ASF is also the recipient of funds raised through Wall Street Rides FAR, the annual cycling and walking event that originated in White Plains and has since expanded to include satellite rides in Baltimore and Toronto.
Awards[edit]
GuideStar named the Autism Science Foundation a top nonprofit startup in disabilities category in 2011, calling it "a shining star to those interested in real science and evidence based interventions".[21]
In 2021, ASF earned top-rated status from GreatNonProfits for the ninth consecutive year.
Scientific advisory board[edit]
The Autism Science Foundation has 17 scientific advisory board members, including Ami Klin and Harold S. Koplewicz.[22]