Autistic Self Advocacy Network

{{Short description|Non-profit advocacy organization by and for autistic individuals}}

{{Infobox organization

| name = Autistic Self Advocacy Network

| logo = Autistic Self Advocacy Network logo.svg

| image =

| tax_id = 26-1270198"[https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/displayAll.do?dispatchMethod=displayAllInfo&Id=419169&ein=261270198&country=US&deductibility=all&dispatchMethod=searchAll&isDescending=false&city=&ein1=26-1270198&postDateFrom=&exemptTypeCode=al&submitName=Search&sortColumn=orgName&totalResults=1&names=&resultsPerPage=25&indexOfFirstRow=0&postDateTo=&state=All+States Autistic Self Advocacy Network Inc]". Tax Exempt Organization Search. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved January 5, 2020.

| founders = Ari Ne'eman and Scott Michael Robertson

| type = Nonprofit organization

| status = 501(c)(3)

| purpose = To advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism by organizing the community of autistic adults and youth to have their voices heard in a national forum."[https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/261270198_201812_990_2019103116802416.pdf Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808011653/https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/261270198_201812_990_2019103116802416.pdf |date=2022-08-08 }}". Autistic Self Advocacy Network Inc. Internal Revenue Service. December 31, 2018.

| founded_date = {{start date and age|2006|11|13}}"[https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessNameSearch/Search/BusinessName Autistic Self-Advocacy Network Inc.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226012044/https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessNameSearch/Search/BusinessName |date=2019-12-26 }}" New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Retrieved January 5, 2020.

| headquarters = Washington, D.C., U.S.

| focus = Public policy

| method = Publications, policy advocacy

| employees = 10

| employees_year = 2018

| volunteers = 55

| volunteers_year = 2018

| revenue = $1,171,575

| revenue_year = 2018

| expenses = $789,140

| expenses_year = 2018

| leader_name = Colin Killick

| leader_title = Executive Director

| leader_name2 =

| leader_title2 =

| website = {{URL|https://autisticadvocacy.org/}}

}}

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization run by and for autistic individuals. ASAN advocates for the inclusion of autistic people in decisions that affect them, including: legislation, depiction in the media, and disability services.

The organization is based in Washington, D.C., where it advocates for the United States government to adopt legislation and policies that positively impact autistic people.

Services

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network provides community organizing, self-advocacy support, and public policy advocacy and education for autistic youth and adults, as well as working to improve the general public's understanding of autism and related conditions. The organization is "run by and for autistic adults".{{Cite news

| url = http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/science/1.638978

| title = Autistic Self-advocate and Obama Appointee Ari Ne'eman Wins $100,000 Ruderman Prize

| last = Sommer

| first = Allison Kaplan

| date = January 26, 2015

| work = Haaretz

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| archive-date = April 18, 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160418081249/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/science/1.638978

| url-status = live

}} ASAN's mission statement says that autistic people are equal to everyone else and are important and necessary members of society.{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/|title=About|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|date=May 26, 2011|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=May 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504132807/http://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/|url-status=live}} ASAN also maintains a network of 25 local chapters based in different states, with three chapter affiliates in Canada and Australia.{{Cite news

| url = https://newspaperarchive.com/us/rhode-island/newport/newport-daily-news/2012/03-20?tag=autistic+self+advocacy+network&rtserp=tags/?pep=autistic-self-advocacy-network/

| title = Gifted, Challenged

| last = Johnson

| first = James A.

| date = March 20, 2012

| work = Newport Daily News

| url-access=subscription

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| via = Newspaper Archive

}}{{Cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/chapters/|title=Chapters|last=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|website=autisticadvocacy.org|access-date=April 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402092353/http://autisticadvocacy.org/chapters/|archive-date=April 2, 2016 |url-status=dead}}

History

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was co-founded on November 13, 2006, by its former president, Ari Ne'eman,{{Cite news

| url = https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-37758605.html

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181118212056/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-37758605.html

| url-status = dead

| archive-date = November 18, 2018

| title = Just Asking: Ari Ne'eman, Co-Founder of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

| last = Heim

| first = Joe

| date = March 5, 2015

| newspaper = The Washington Post

| url-access=subscription

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| via = HighBeam Research

}} and former Board of Trustees member and Vice Chair of Development, Scott Michael Robertson. By 2009, ASAN had 15 chapters.{{Cite news

| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03asperger.html

| title = A Powerful Identity, a Vanishing Diagnosis

| last = Wallis

| first = Claudia

| date = November 2, 2009

| work =The New York Times

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| archive-date = July 21, 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180721045458/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03asperger.html

| url-status = live

}}

ASAN's early work mostly focused on fighting the use of aversives, restraint, and seclusion in special education;{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/2007/03/testimony-on-aversives-restraints/|title=Testimony on Aversives & Restraints|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|date=March 2, 2007|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=June 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601054458/http://autisticadvocacy.org/2007/03/testimony-on-aversives-restraints|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/2007/09/action-alert-autistic-six-year-old-charged-with-assault/|title=ACTION ALERT: Autistic Six-Year-Old Charged with Assault|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|date=September 24, 2007|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=June 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605105040/https://autisticadvocacy.org/2007/09/action-alert-autistic-six-year-old-charged-with-assault/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news

| url = https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/10/05/senators-altered-restraint/10512/

| title = Senators Propose Revised Restraint And Seclusion Bill

| last = Diament

| first = Michelle

| date = October 5, 2010

| work = Disability Scoop

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| archive-date = March 15, 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160315045621/https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/10/05/senators-altered-restraint/10512/

| url-status = live

}} in December 2007, they spoke out publicly against Autism Speaks,{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/2007/12/comments-at-november-30-2007-iacc-meeting/|title=Comments at November 30, 2007 IACC Meeting|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|date=December 8, 2007|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=June 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605072305/https://autisticadvocacy.org/2007/12/comments-at-november-30-2007-iacc-meeting/|url-status=live}} and against the NYU Child Study Center's Ransom Notes ad campaign, which compared autism, ADHD, OCD, and eating disorders to kidnappers holding children hostage.{{Cite news

| url = http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/marketing-disorder/

| title = Marketing Disorder

| last = Warner

| first = Judith

| date = December 20, 2007

| work =The New York Times

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| archive-date = January 5, 2014

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140105213327/http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/marketing-disorder/

| url-status = live

}}{{Cite news

| url = http://nymag.com/news/features/47225/

| title = The Autism Rights Movement

| last = Solomon

| first = Andrew

| date = May 25, 2008

| work = New York Magazine

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| archive-date = May 27, 2008

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080527025140/http://nymag.com/news/features/47225/

| url-status = live

}} This counter-campaign{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/2007/12/tell-nyu-child-study-center-to-abandon-stereotypes/|title=An Urgent Call to Action: Tell NYU Child Study Center to Abandon Stereotypes Against People With Disabilities|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|date=December 8, 2007|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=June 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604212702/https://autisticadvocacy.org/2007/12/tell-nyu-child-study-center-to-abandon-stereotypes/|url-status=live}} put ASAN on the public's radar and has been referred to as the neurodiversity movement's coming of age.{{Cite journal

| last = Kras

| first = Joseph F.

| date = 2010

| title = The 'Ransom Notes' Affair: When the Neurodiversity Movement Came of Age

| url = http://dsq-sds.org/article/view/1065/1254

| journal = Disability Studies Quarterly

| volume = 30

| issue = 1

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| archive-date = March 4, 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304233806/http://dsq-sds.org/article/view/1065/1254

| url-status = live

}} ASAN continues to protest Autism Speaks.{{Cite news

| url = http://www.sfweekly.com/sanfrancisco/changing-minds-advocates-reshape-how-we-think-about-autism/Content?oid=2186899

| title = Changing Minds: Advocates Reshape How We Think About Autism

| last = Reynolds

| first = Brandon R.

| date = October 31, 2012

| work = SF Weekly

| access-date = March 1, 2016

| archive-date = February 7, 2016

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160207063333/http://www.sfweekly.com/sanfrancisco/changing-minds-advocates-reshape-how-we-think-about-autism/Content?oid=2186899

| url-status = live

}}

On July 18, 2016, Ari Ne'eman announced that he would resign as president of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, to be replaced by Julia Bascom in early 2017.{{cite web|last1=Ne'eman|first1=Ari|title=A Message from ASAN President Ari Ne'eman|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/2016/07/a-message-from-asan-president-ari-neeman/|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817134339/http://autisticadvocacy.org/2016/07/a-message-from-asan-president-ari-neeman/|url-status=live}}

In 2020, ASAN published a statement supporting the FDA's ban on the electric skin shock devices used to torture children and adults with disabilities at the Judge Rotenberg Center.{{cite web |title=ASAN Welcomes Ban of Electric Shock Torture |url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2020/03/asan-welcomes-ban-of-electric-shock-torture/ |website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network |date=March 4, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2020 |language=en-us |archive-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324110234/https://autisticadvocacy.org/2020/03/asan-welcomes-ban-of-electric-shock-torture/ |url-status=live }}

Due to developing long COVID in May 2022, Julia Bascom stepped down as executive director of ASAN at the end of 2023, appointing Avery Outlaw as interim executive director. ASAN began seeking a permanent replacement for Julia Bascom’s position,{{cite web |date=September 28, 2023 |title=A Message From ASAN Executive Director Julia Bascom - Autistic Self Advocacy Network |url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2023/09/a-message-from-asan-executive-director-julia-bascom/ |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network |language=en-US}}{{cite web |date=January 18, 2024 |title=Job Announcement: Executive Director - Autistic Self Advocacy Network |url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2024/01/job-announcement-executive-director/ |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network |language=en-US}} and on June 12, 2024, the organization announced that Colin Killick would become the next executive director starting November 1.{{cite web |date=June 12, 2024 |title=ASAN Announces New Executive Director |url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2024/06/asan-announces-new-executive-director/ |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network |language=en-US}}

Activism

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network promotes autism acceptance through public policy initiatives,{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/policy-advocacy/|title=ASAN: Policy Advocacy|access-date=May 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501232305/http://autisticadvocacy.org/policy-advocacy/|archive-date=May 1, 2013 |url-status=dead}} research reform,{{Cite news | url = http://guardianlv.com/2014/05/autism-advocates-want-funding-for-services-not-research/ | title = Autism Advocates Want Funding for Services Not Research | date = May 15, 2014 | work= Guardian Liberty Voice | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = March 30, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160330204619/http://guardianlv.com/2014/05/autism-advocates-want-funding-for-services-not-research/ | url-status = live }} cross-disability collaboration, community outreach,{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/category/topic/changing-perceptions/|title=Changing Perceptions|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=May 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509180840/http://autisticadvocacy.org/category/topic/changing-perceptions/|url-status=live}} college advocacy,{{cite web|url=http://www.navigatingcollege.org/|title=Navigating College|website=www.navigatingcollege.org|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=June 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617110023/http://navigatingcollege.org/|url-status=dead}} publishing,{{cite web|url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/resources/books/|title=Books|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|date=April 10, 2014|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418185031/http://autisticadvocacy.org/resources/books/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/reports-and-brief-materials/|title=ASAN: Reports and Brief Materials|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508231855/https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/reports-and-brief-materials/|archive-date=May 8, 2013|url-status=dead}} and employment initiatives.{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/category/topic/employment/|title=Employment|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=May 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508215434/https://autisticadvocacy.org/category/topic/employment/|url-status=dead}} ASAN has also supported initiatives to raise the minimum wage.{{Cite news | url = http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?vid=7&sid=735e8fb2-7a34-45b0-bd1c-88a6a83f6f90%40sessionmgr4001&hid=4106&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=2W6548353999&db=nfh | title = Advocacy Groups Stand Against 'Sub-Minimum' Wage for Workers with Disabilities | last = Fleischer | first = Chris | date = July 27, 2014 | work= Pittsburgh Tribune Review | url-access=subscription

| access-date = March 1, 2016 | via = EBSCO }} ASAN has opposed federal contractors paying disabled people sub-minimum wage in 2014.{{Cite news | url = http://forward.com/opinion/332630/how-were-failing-jews-with-disabilities/ | title = How We're Failing Jews With Disabilities | last = Ne'eman | first = Ari | date = February 1, 2016 | work= Forward | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = March 5, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305190511/http://forward.com/opinion/332630/how-were-failing-jews-with-disabilities/ | url-status = live }} Their campaign to prevent workers from being paid sub-minimum wage by federal contractors was successful.{{Cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-next-civil-rights-movement-accepting-adults-with-autism/2015/07/20/e7c6743e-f338-11e4-bcc4-e8141e5eb0c9_story.html | title = How Autistic Adults Banded Together to Start a Movement | last = Somashekhar | first = Sandhya | date = July 20, 2015 | newspaper=The Washington Post | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = March 10, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160310072143/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-next-civil-rights-movement-accepting-adults-with-autism/2015/07/20/e7c6743e-f338-11e4-bcc4-e8141e5eb0c9_story.html | url-status = live }} In addition, ASAN has also been involved in helping businesses hire autistic individuals.{{Cite news | url = http://www.autismkey.com/advocacy-group-boosts-autism-employment-prospects/ | title = Advocacy Group Boosts Autism Employment Prospects | last = Moffitt | first = Susan | date = July 21, 2011 | work= Autism Key | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = April 3, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160403195316/http://www.autismkey.com/advocacy-group-boosts-autism-employment-prospects/ | url-status = live }}

=Scientific issues=

ASAN is the autistic community partner for the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership In Research and Education (AASPIRE).{{cite web | url = http://www.aaspireproject.org/|title=AASPIRE homepage|access-date=August 8, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080519021338/http://aaspireproject.org/|archive-date=May 19, 2008|url-status=usurped}} The AASPIRE project brings together the academic community and the autistic community,{{Cite news | url = http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/12/08/adults-with-autism-report-shortcomings-in-health-care/48848.html | title = Adults with Autism Report Shortcomings in Health Care | last = Wood | first = Janice | date = 2012 | work= Psych Central | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = August 11, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160811141000/http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/12/08/adults-with-autism-report-shortcomings-in-health-care/48848.html | url-status = dead }} in a research format called community-based participatory research, to develop and perform research projects relevant to the needs of autistic adults.

ASAN has been critical of statements made that falsely link vaccines and autism. According to ASAN, research suggests that autism has always existed at its current levels in the population.{{Cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/09/17/the-gops-dangerous-debate-on-vaccines-and-autism/ | title = The GOP's Dangerous 'Debate' On Vaccines and Autism | last = Miller | first = Michael E. | date = September 17, 2015 | newspaper=The Washington Post | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = October 18, 2016 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20161018231643/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/09/17/the-gops-dangerous-debate-on-vaccines-and-autism/ | url-status = live }}

Between 2009 and 2012, ASAN members lobbied the American Psychiatric Association's workgroup on neurodevelopmental disorders drafting new diagnostic criteria for autism for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The advocates focused on "protecting access to diagnosis" and support, blocking proposals they deemed harmful, and "improving disparities in diagnosis for marginalized groups", while encouraging the shift towards a unified diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. A formulation proposed by ASAN regarding the possibility that some autistic people learn to mask autistic characteristics is reflected in the final criteria.{{Citation |last=Kapp |first=Steven K. |title=Lobbying Autism's Diagnostic Revision in the DSM-5 |date=2020 |url=https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-981-13-8437-0_13.pdf |work=Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement: Stories from the Frontline |pages=167–194 |editor-last=Kapp |editor-first=Steven K. |access-date=June 8, 2023 |place=Singapore |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-981-13-8437-0_13 |isbn=978-981-13-8437-0 |last2=Ne'eman |first2=Ari |author-link2=Ari Ne'eman}}

In 2018, ASAN published an open letter to the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association opposing their position statement that facilitated communication (FC) and rapid prompting method (RPM) are scientifically discredited, claiming that more research on those methods is worthwhile.{{cite web |last1=Crane |first1=Samantha |title=ASAN Letter to ASHA On The Right To Communicate |url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2018/07/asan-letter-to-asha-on-the-right-to-communicate/ |website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network |date=July 2, 2018 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |language=en-us |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729123956/http://autisticadvocacy.org/2018/07/asan-letter-to-asha-on-the-right-to-communicate/ |url-status=live }} ASAN also lists two facilitated communication users as members of its board of trustees.{{cite web |title=Leadership |url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/leadership/ |website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network |access-date=July 21, 2019 |language=en-us |archive-date=July 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731053138/http://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/leadership/ |url-status=live }}

=Special calendar events=

ASAN's chapters work collaboratively with the national branch on nationwide projects; an example of this is Day of Mourning, an event on March 1 where local chapters of ASAN, as well as independent groups, host candlelight vigils in remembrance of disabled people murdered by their caregivers.{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/2013/02/asan-day-of-mourning-on-march-1st/|title=ASAN: Day of Mourning on March 1st|access-date=May 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505200153/http://autisticadvocacy.org/2013/02/asan-day-of-mourning-on-march-1st/|archive-date= May 5, 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite news | url = https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/03/27/disability-advocates-parents-kill/15248/ | title = Disability Advocates Alarmed By Parents Who Kill | last = Young | first = Lesley | date = March 27, 2012 | work= Disability Scoop | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = March 24, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150324105840/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/03/27/disability-advocates-parents-kill/15248/ | url-status = live }} The first campaign was suggested by Zoe Gross of California, who had heard of a case where a young autistic man was murdered by his mother, who later committed suicide. The vigils honor people with all kinds of disabilities.

In April 2013, as part of Autism Acceptance Month – a counter-movement against the cure-focused Light It Up Blue and Autism Awareness Month movements – ASAN launched an Autism Acceptance Month web site.{{cite web|url=https://www.autismacceptancemonth.com/about/|title=About – Autism Acceptance Month|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422061349/https://www.autismacceptancemonth.com/about/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news | url = https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/04/01/with-autism-acceptance/17609/ | title = With Autism Awareness Month Comes Push For Acceptance | last = Diament | first = Michelle | date = April 1, 2013 | work= Disability Scoop | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = July 12, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160712024430/https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/04/01/with-autism-acceptance/17609/ | url-status = live }}

=Publications=

ASAN published a book for autistic people in college, called Navigating College Handbook.{{Cite news | url = https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/10/25/handbook-college-autism/14313/ | title = Handbook Offers College Advice For Students With Autism | last = Diament | first = Michelle | date = October 25, 2011 | work= Disability Scoop | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = March 24, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150324102427/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/10/25/handbook-college-autism/14313/ | url-status = live }} The book was considered "the first of its kind". In 2012, ASAN began the annual Autism Campus Inclusion (ACI) Summer Institute,{{cite web|url=http://autisticadvocacy.org/2013/01/asan-is-now-accepting-applications-for-the-2013-summer-leadership-academy/|title=ASAN is Now Accepting Applications for the 2013 Summer Leadership Academy|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|date=January 16, 2013|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=April 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402171944/http://autisticadvocacy.org/2013/01/asan-is-now-accepting-applications-for-the-2013-summer-leadership-academy/|url-status=live}} a week-long workshop teaching autistic students to engage in activism and advocacy on their campuses.{{Cite web | url = http://heath.gwu.edu/2016-autism-campus-inclusion-aci-leadership-academy | title = 2016 Autism Campus Inclusion (ACI) Leadership Academy | date = January 19, 2016 | work= Graduate School of Education and Human Development | publisher = George Washington University | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = May 17, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160517002854/https://heath.gwu.edu/2016-autism-campus-inclusion-aci-leadership-academy | url-status = dead }} Disability rights activist Lydia Brown is an alumn of the leadership program.Baldwin, Amy (2015). "[http://readsh101.com/m/1114/03/library.html The job prob: How learning to lead can help you succeed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408205200/http://readsh101.com/m/1114/03/library.html |date=2016-04-08 }}". Student Health 101.

The Loud Hands Project, a transmedia publishing effort for curating and hosting submissions by autistic people about voice, has also been active during 2012, in the form of a kickstarter campaign{{cite web|url=http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Loud-Hands-Project|title=The Loud Hands Project|website=Indiegogo|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115211520/http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Loud-Hands-Project|archive-date=January 15, 2013|url-status=dead}} and an anthology, both founded and organized by Julia Bascom. Later in 2012, ASAN also published the anthology Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking,{{cite book|title=Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking | first=Julia |last=Bascom|author-link=Julia Bascom|date=December 7, 2012|publisher=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|isbn = 978-1938800023}} which features several dozen essays by autistic neurodiversity activists including Jim Sinclair and Ari Ne'eman.

=Work with Sesame Workshop=

In 2015, ASAN worked with Sesame Workshop to create an autistic character for Sesame Street, named Julia.{{Cite news | url = https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/10/21/sesame-street-character-autism/20891/ | title = 'Sesame Street' Unveils Character With Autism | last = Diament | first = Michelle | date = October 21, 2015 | work= Disability Scoop | access-date = March 1, 2016 | archive-date = March 31, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160331003122/https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/10/21/sesame-street-character-autism/20891/ | url-status = live }} In August 2019, ASAN announced it had ended its partnership with Sesame Street after it began to associate with Autism Speaks. ASAN described the materials produced by association with Autism Speaks as "incredibly harmful information [mixed] with useful information with little to no distinction", including theories and narratives about autism that are not scientifically supported, and medical advice not backed by scientific research. ASAN reports that it discussed the harmful implications of these ideas with the producers of Sesame Street, and that the producers acknowledged that the ideas were harmful but would not reconsider their collaboration with Autism Speaks.{{cite web |last1=Luterman |first1=Sara |title=Trouble on Sesame Street |url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/08/sesame-street-autism-speaks-controversy-julia.html |website=Slate |date=August 16, 2019 |access-date=August 17, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816212052/https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/08/sesame-street-autism-speaks-controversy-julia.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Keeley |first1=Matt |title=A Prominent Autism Group Has Cut Ties with 'Sesame Street' Over New PSAs Featuring Autistic Muppet |url=https://www.newsweek.com/prominent-autism-group-has-cut-ties-sesame-street-over-new-psas-featuring-autistic-muppet-1453628 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |agency=Newsweek |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818211428/https://www.newsweek.com/prominent-autism-group-has-cut-ties-sesame-street-over-new-psas-featuring-autistic-muppet-1453628 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=ASAN Has Ended Partnership With Sesame Street |url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2019/08/asan-has-ended-partnership-with-sesame-street/ |website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network |date=August 5, 2019 |access-date=August 6, 2019 |language=en-us |archive-date=August 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805203142/https://autisticadvocacy.org/2019/08/asan-has-ended-partnership-with-sesame-street/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Budryk |first1=Zack |title=Autism advocacy group ends relationship with 'Sesame Street' over PSAs that 'further stigma' |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/456343-autism-advocacy-group-ends-relationship-with-sesame-street-over |access-date=August 11, 2019 |work=The Hill|date=August 6, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=August 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811133155/https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/456343-autism-advocacy-group-ends-relationship-with-sesame-street-over |url-status=live }}

=Opposition to Kevin and Avonte's Law=

ASAN opposed Kevin and Avonte's Law, which would have provided money to fight wandering behavior in autistic children. ASAN was originally neutral, but after several modifications were made, including an amendment that would have allowed for the installation of tracking devices on people with disabilities, ASAN and several other disabilities rights groups opposed the proposed law over privacy concerns. Additionally, Ne'eman said that "The use of the 'wandering' label on adults will enable abuse and restrict the civil rights of Americans with Disabilities" and that it would "make it easier for school districts and residential facilities to justify restraint and seclusion in the name of treatment."{{cite web|last1=Lutz|first1=Amy|title=117 Autistic Children and Adults Who Died Deserve Better|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/inspectrum/201612/117-autistic-children-and-adults-who-died-deserve-better|access-date=December 25, 2016|website=Psychology Today|archive-date=September 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905232939/https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inspectrum/201612/117-autistic-children-and-adults-who-died-deserve-better|url-status=live}} As a result, Congress did not pass Kevin and Avonte's Law.{{Cite news | url = https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2016/12/17/13993398/safety-autonomy-avonte-tracking-autism-wandering-schumer | title = Safety versus autonomy: advocates for autistic children split over tracking devices | last = Ne'eman | first = Ari | date = December 17, 2016 | work=Vox | access-date = December 27, 2016 | archive-date = December 27, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161227202231/http://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2016/12/17/13993398/safety-autonomy-avonte-tracking-autism-wandering-schumer | url-status = live }} Later, a revised version of Kevin and Avonte's Law passed which did not include the language ASAN had objected to.{{cite web|last1=Congress|first1=US|title=117 S.2070 – Kevin and Avonte's Law of 2017|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2070|website=Congress.gov|date=January 18, 2018|access-date=February 14, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215155926/https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2070|url-status=live}}

Protests

In 2013, a local ASAN chapter successfully protested for the removal of billboards by the Seattle Children's Hospital that advocated "wiping out" autism. The protest was followed by numerous media requests to the chapter regarding the autism rights movement. Arzu Forough of the organization Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy claimed that coverage could have misled people about the effects of autism. According to Forough, such coverage could promote the idea that autistic people have only trivial difficulties, obscuring the level of support that some autistic people need.{{Cite news |last=Person |first=Daniel |date=July 17, 2013 |title=Who Should Define Autism? |work=Seattle Weekly News |url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/home/947693-129/autism-asan-autistic-starbucks-disability-says |url-status=dead |access-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508200448/http://www.seattleweekly.com/home/947693-129/autism-asan-autistic-starbucks-disability-says |archive-date=May 8, 2016}}

= Autism Speaks =

ASAN has protested Autism Speaks for promoting policies that are harmful to autistic people, for promoting stigma against autistic people, and for systematically excluding autistic people from debates about issues that affect them.

In 2009, ASAN and over 60 other disability advocacy groups condemned Autism Speaks for lack of representation and for exploitative and unethical practices.{{Cite web|date=October 7, 2009|title=Disability Community Condemns Autism Speaks|url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2009/10/disability-community-condemns-autism-speaks/|access-date=August 20, 2020|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|language=en-us|archive-date=August 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823170020/https://autisticadvocacy.org/2009/10/disability-community-condemns-autism-speaks/|url-status=live}} Before 2015, John Elder Robison was the only autistic person ever to serve on Autism Speaks's board of directors. He later resigned in protest against the organization.{{Cite web|date=March 15, 2017|title=John Elder Robison Leaves Autism Speaks Amid Controversy|url=http://www.autismdailynewscast.com/john-elder-robison-leaves-autism-speaks-amid-controversy/|access-date=August 20, 2020|website=Autism Daily Newscast|language=en-US|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728045415/https://www.autismdailynewscast.com/john-elder-robison-leaves-autism-speaks-amid-controversy/|url-status=live}} In 2015, Autism Speaks made a commitment to provide better representation by appointing two autistic people to its 26-member board of directors.{{Cite web|date=December 7, 2015|title=Statement on Autism Speaks Board Appointments|url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2015/12/statement-on-autism-speaks-board-appointments/|access-date=August 20, 2020|website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network|language=en-us|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805153435/http://autisticadvocacy.org/2015/12/statement-on-autism-speaks-board-appointments/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Ouyang|first=Isabelle|date=April 1, 2016|title=Autism Speaks doesn't speak for Autism|url=https://pittnews.com/article/70201/opinions/autism-speaks-doesnt-speak-for-autism/|access-date=August 20, 2020|website=The Pitt News|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729064912/https://pittnews.com/article/70201/opinions/autism-speaks-doesnt-speak-for-autism/|url-status=live}} ASAN criticized this move as insufficient, citing: continued systematic exclusion of autistic people from positions of leadership at Autism Speaks; continued misuse of funds, particularly to support research for a cure rather than to support for autistic people; and continued use of harmful messages in advertising campaigns designed to promote stigma against autistic people. ASAN stated: "Until Autism Speaks makes significant changes to their practices and policies of fighting against the existence of autistic people, these appointments to the board are superficial changes."

On April 17, 2025, ASAN released a joint statement with Autism Speaks and four other organizations, criticizing the Trump administration's policies they highlighted as negatively impacting the autistic community, including the perpetuation of stigma, the promotion of the debunked theory that vaccines make people autistic and funding cuts to healthcare, housing and education. ASAN accepted additional signatories to the statement on a rolling basis.{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2025 |title=Leading Autism Organizations Release Joint Statement on Upholding Scientific Integrity and Supporting the Autism Community |url=https://autisticadvocacy.org/2025/04/leading-autism-organizations-release-joint-statement-on-upholding-scientific-integrity-and-supporting-the-autism-community/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |website=Autistic Self Advocacy Network |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Diament |first=Michelle |date=April 21, 2025 |title=Kennedy's Comments About ASD Draw Backlash |url=https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/04/21/kennedys-comments-about-asd-draw-backlash/31414/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |website=Disability Scoop |language=en}}