Autism Speaks updates their mission statement, with advocacy, support, and acceptance

“Cure” has been replaced with advocacy, support, and acceptance through the lifespan.

Autism Speaks’ board of directors in  September voted to modify the mission statement, the first change since the nonprofit was established in 2005.

Here is the mission statement on the Autism Speaks website as it was in July:

At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with an autism spectrum disorder.
We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for autism. We strive to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society: and we work to bring 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 aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Click the links to learn more about our leadership, our board of directors, our scientific boards and our family services committee.

Current Updated Mission Statement:

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
Autism Speaks enhances lives today and is accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.

Stephen Mark Shore, board of directors member wrote on his Facebook page about the change: “Cure” has been replaced with advocacy, support, and acceptance through the lifespan.

As Autism Speaks tries to redefine it's purpose and mission, since the death of co-founder Suzanne Wright this summer. Only time will tell if Autism Speaks will be able to continue as they go forward.