The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network or ASAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization for individuals on the Autism spectrum

Autism spectrum

The term "autism spectrum" is often used to describe disorders that are currently classified as pervasive developmental disorders. Pervasive developmental disorders include autism, Asperger syndrome, Childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise...

, and is run by Autistic people. ASAN believes that the goal of Autism advocacy should be a world in which Autistic people enjoy the same access, rights, and opportunities as all other people. ASAN was founded in 2006 by Autistic self-advocates Ari Ne'eman

Ari Ne'eman

Ari Ne'eman is an American autism rights activist who cofounded the Autistic Self Advocacy Network in 2006. On December 16, 2009 President Barack Obama announced that Ari Ne'eman would be appointed to the National Council on Disability. Ne'eman has a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, which would make...

 and Scott Robertson. Scott Robertson is now Chairman of the Board of ASAN.

Purpose

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network provides support, services, and public policy advocacy for those on the Autism spectrum

Autism

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...

 while working to improve the public perception of Autism and related conditions. ASAN's viewpoint emphasizes that the Autism spectrum and those on it are important and necessary parts of the wide diversity present in human genetics. In moving away from dated pathological models, ASAN supports a new approach emphasizing the unique challenges and strengths of Autistic individuals. ASAN is committed to working towards educational and societal inclusion, respect, and tolerance for neurological diversity and a better future for all individuals on the Autism spectrum.

Activism

ASAN promotes Autism awareness through public policy initiatives, educational consulting, social and support groups, a speaker's bureau, media outreach, and other endeavors.

ASAN is the Autistic community partner for the Academic Autistic Partnership In Research and Education (AASPIRE). The AASPIRE project brings together the academic community and the Autistic community to develop and perform research projects relevant to the needs of autistic adults.

In addition to launching the Autistic Video Project in conjunction with Autreach, ASAN has recently promoted awareness regarding Autism through such public outlets as Good Morning America

Good Morning America

Good Morning America is an American morning news and talk show that is broadcast on the ABC television network; it debuted on November 3, 1975. The weekday program airs for two hours; a third hour aired between 2007 and 2008 exclusively on ABC News Now...

 and Newsweek

Newsweek

Newsweek is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It is distributed throughout the United States and internationally. It is the second-largest news weekly magazine in the U.S., having trailed Time in circulation and advertising revenue for most of its existence...

magazine.