AutismLink's Principles

  • First and foremost -- we believe that an autism organization should actually do something for its members. We provide all kinds of events and assistance free of charge to our membership -- including social outings, conferences, teacher trainings, advocacy assistance, etc. We do all of this not because we're paid to do it, but because we want to. Refreshing, isnt'it?
  • AutismLink doesn't have overpaid executives who wine and dine foundations and grantmakers, philanthropists and funders. We're a group of down-to-earth moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., whose only wish is to help others. It's true, we don't have black tie casino nights where we gamble in the name of a "good cause." We made our money the old fashioned way. We actually earned it, on our own, without the help of grants.
  • Last year, however, we did receive a small grant to help us make our website better. Other organizations are saying that we used "taxpayer monies" because it came from the State of PA, citing that they don't take "taxpayer monies." Oy. What do you call membership fees and charging upwards of $100 for conferences? Worse than taking taxpayer money -- it's taking money right from the pockets of parents with kids with autism. We'll take money from the politicians rather than taking it from parents, thank you. We don't think there is anything remotely wrong with that.
  • When we provide editorials, it's not the "fire-and-brimstone" self-righteous, preachy approach. It's more ... well... human. We are parents of children with autism, so we understand what you're going through. We don't give you a bizarre esoteric approach -- it's real life. We're down there in the trenches right with you.
  • We certainly don't team up with Blue Cross or any other private insurer to do fundraisers (like walks) when they don't even cover autism services. It's rather hypocritcal, in our humble opinion, to get into the proverbial "bed" with an organization that does little to help, and even harms, those with autism spectrum disorders. Our principles are more important than any money that Blue Cross could give us.
  • AutismLink does not cater to managed care organizations, therapy providers, or anyone else with the exception of two groups of people -- families affected by autism and individuals affected by autism. We don't think it's right to have relationships with places like Children's Hospitals and Behavioral Health organizations. Why? Well, what if one of those folks were doing something to adversely affect children with autism? Case in point -- managed care organizations who cut hours of therapy to children with autism. When that happens, we say something about it. If we were "in bed" with them like other organizations, we would be bound by our relationship with them.
  • We believe that we shouldn't hound our members for money by constantly holding fundraisers and ways to make money. We don't make money off of our families. Sure, if they want to purchase autism awareness items from us, that's a great thing. But we certainly don't hound them for money constantly.
  • When a family is referred to us, we help them. We don't send a packet of information indicating that they have to pay us a membership fee to get any help. After all, that's what helping someone is all about, isn't it?
  • We provide support, referrals, information, and basically anything a parent needs, if we can. We've created a network of thousands of parents across the US -- so they have one place to come for everything they need -- discussion boards to ask other parents questions, chat rooms, lists of resources by state, a news listserv, and more!
  • Several times a year, we provide free conferences for teachers, educators and paraprofessionals on how to handle autism in the classroom. Yes, free of charge. We think it's more important that folks get educated on autism rather than making money on a conference.
  • Several times a year, we provide free tickets to events such as major league baseball, amusement parks, cultural events, movies and the like to promote community inclusion. The tickets are free for the taking. (Other organizations who get free tickets often sell them to make a profit. We don't do that.)
  • In 2005, AutismLink heard of a family who was attempting to find a home for their dogs. They were moving from PA to AZ and couldn't find a means of transport for the dogs, who were very close to their son with Asperger Syndrome. AutismLink organized a coast-to-coast relay to ensure the child was able to stay in the company of his best friends. All free of charge. Article from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Second article from PPG -- Dog Relay Hits Snags, But Crosses Finish Line
  • We have helped literally hundreds of families to find services, connect with other parents, and solve the every day problems associated with autism spectrum disorder. We always answer in a timely manner.
  • We have helped many adults in the justice system whose autism was not taken into account.