THE LAUNCH OF AUTISM SPEAKS IN THE UK – MARCH 9 2006

Autism Speaks is a registered charity that raises funds to accelerate biomedical research to determine and understand the causes and biological basis of autism spectrum disorders; and through that understanding to discover and promote new ways of improving the quality of life for all those affected.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that significantly impairs a person's ability to communicate, respond to their surroundings and form relationships with others. 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 Speaks' secondary aim is to help the US-based National Alliance for Autism Research, to which it is affiliated, to become a worldwide organisation by developing communication, organisational and fundraising models that encourage funders, researchers and those affected by autism to work collaboratively across geographies to ensure that the needs and priorities of each are met.