Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
ASAN logo
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| Motto | "Nothing About Us, Without Us!" |
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| Founded | November 2006 |
| Founders | Ari Ne'eman and Scott Michael Robertson |
| Type | 501(c)(3) [non-profit] |
| Focus | Public policy |
| Location |
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| Method | Publications, policy advocacy |
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Revenue
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Grants and donations |
| Mission | Autistic self-advocacy and disability rights |
| Website | Autistic Self Advocacy Network |
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum. ASAN holds 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, and that Autistic voices should be included in any public discourse on autism, whether in public policy, mass media, or other venues. ASAN is based in Washington, D.C.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network provides community organizing, self-advocacy support, and public policy advocacy & 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." ASAN's mission statement says that autistic people are equal to everyone else, and important and necessary members of society. ASAN also maintains a network of 25 local chapters based in different states, with three chapter affiliates in Canada and Australia.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was co founded in November 2006 by its former President, Ari Ne'eman, and former Board of Trustees member and Vice Chair of Development, Scott Michael Robertson. By 2009, ASAN had 15 chapters.
ASAN's early work mostly focused on fighting the use of aversives, restraint, and seclusion in special education; in December 2007, they spoke out publicly against Autism Speaks, 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. This counter-campaign put ASAN on the public's radar and has been referred to as the neurodiversity movement's coming of age. ASAN continues to protest Autism Speaks.
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. Bascom now holds the title of ASAN President.
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