As a chapter of the national organization, the Autism Society of America, we share in their mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism by promoting meaningful participation and self-determination for individuals with ASD and their families.

The Autism Society of San Diego County, a non-profit organization, originated in 1966 as the National Society of Autistic Children. It served to unite and inform parents on new revelations concerning intervention therapy. Today, the ASSDC serves as the voice and resource of the local autism community. ASSDC members include parents, relatives, friends, advocates, medical professionals and educators throughout San Diego County and beyond.

Our Board of Directors composed primarily of parents of individuals with autism and experts in the field of autism serve the chapter on a volunteer basis.
We provide hundreds of children opportunities to go to Camp I CAN (Camp Including Children with Autism Now), Surf Camp, scholarships to adaptive swim lessons and celebrations at family events throughout the year. We also provide families with monthly support groups with guest speakers at several locations across San Diego County, including meetings in Spanish and informal "coffee talk" gatherings where parents can bring their very young children along. A significant majority of our programs are available for all to attend at no cost to families with no membership in the Society required.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 91 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2009). And this number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could top 4 million Americans in the next decade.

Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child. And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.

While there is no known cure for autism, there are treatment and education approaches that may reduce some of the challenges associated with the condition. Intervention may help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence.

But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies individuals with ASD, there is no single treatment that will be effective for all people on the spectrum. Individuals can learn to function within the confines of ASD and use the positive aspects of their condition to their benefit, but treatment must begin as early as possible and be tailored to the child's unique strengths, weaknesses and needs.

One of the most important functions of the Autism Society is to help parents and other caretakers get the information they need to seek an early diagnosis, find appropriate interventions and select the best options for their family member's unique needs. As a grassroots organization we are able to effectively serve families affected by autism, because we provide peer support and the opportunity to give back through volunteerism in our own communities.

We are one of twenty-five local health agencies which make up the Combined Health Agencies, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of San Diego County residents by raising funds through workplace giving. Last year alone, Combined Health Agencies raised over $1 million to benefit the local health agencies that strive to improve our community’s health. The Combined Health Agencies raises funds primarily through its partnership in the United Way/CHAD Campaign.

The balance of the Autism Societies fund raising activities is the result of our volunteer board of directors, who successfully host two major events each year; “All Out of Autism”, a Gala held in April in recognition of Autism Awareness Month which support Camp I CAN and “Splash for Cash” a Swim-a-thon and Family Day in support of our Aquatics programs. Individual donations, grants and smaller fundraising events throughout the year sustain our organization’s activities.

Contact:	Cherri Cary
Title:	President - Board of Directors
Phone:	(858) 715-0678
Email:	Contact Us
Website:	www.sd-autism.org