The Global Autism Alliance (GAA) is a network of autism organizations who are actively working together on specific projects and programs throughout the world. Currently, there are 34 profit and not-for-profit members of GAA.
The United States government recently reported that 1 in 88 children are on the autism spectrum. In addition, parents and professionals throughout the world are also reporting significant increases in autism. It is quite obvious that there is an incredible need to network and collaborate among autism organizations on a global basis.
Since its establishment last year (April, 2011), GAA has
- Raised money for families with children on the spectrum who suffered from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan
- Sponsored assessment/evaluation 'camps' throughout Kerala, India
- Convened a meeting focused on discussing ways to help families in Russia attended by scientists studying autism who were born and trained in Russia
- Sponsored an autism awareness campaign in Ghana
We hope to collaborate on many more projects this year including development of an informative website translated into various languages, sponsorship of an autism awareness campaign in the Philippines, co-production of a film documentary on the government funded psychoanalysis in France, and organize an international webinar on autism.
The impact of autism is worldwide. We truly hope our collaborative efforts will make a difference to those on the autism spectrum and their families. If you are a representative of a not-for-profit or a for-profit organization dedicated to autism, please consider joining the Global Autism Alliance.
Steve Edelson, Ph.D.
President, Global Autism Alliance