Mission Statement: "At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism Speaks. It's time to listen."

Our son was diagnosed with mild autism at 18-months-old (see our About Us page for details). So it was a no-brainer for us to support an autism charity. But why this one? Well, the founders are Bob and Suzanne Wright, and he's the CEO of NBC (his grandson was recently diagnosed). And they're serious about using all their power and connections for good:

1. They've already teamed up and merged with other autism charities (NAAR: National Alliance for Autism Research, and CAN: Cure Autism Now).

2. They're spending $10 million dollars on new biomedical research grants.

3. They fought hard for The Combating Autism Act and they won! It passed in December 2006, and it authorizes almost $1 billion over the next 5 years to fight autism, a 50% increase!

They're too new to be rated, but their significant accomplishments in their short life are good enough for us!