"There's nothing you can do." Not so long ago, parents often heard that hopeless phrase after their children received a diagnosis of autism. Cure Autism Now is powerful proof that when people join forces, there is much you can do.
Cure Autism Now is an organization of parents, clinicians and scientists committed to accelerating research to prevent, treat and cure autism—for individuals and families today and for future generations. Cure Autism Now is a leader in the fight to cure autism, having committed more than $35 million for research grants, scientific resources, education and outreach. As we aggressively seek a cure, Cure Autism Now actively helps families cope with autism today.
A baffling and mysterious developmental disorder, autism is also one of the fastest-growing childhood disorders in the nation, affecting one in every 166 children and more than one million individuals; a child is diagnosed every 21 minutes. Cure Autism Now recognizes the urgent need for prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. What's more, we believe that a cure will be found for this generation of children.
In 1995, when Cure Autism Now was founded, we set the bar high by asking researchers to reach for the most challenging goal—a cure—and asked that it be achieved as soon as possible. Through innovation, creativity and collaboration, Cure Autism Now has helped bring autism research to where it is today—poised on the brink of the breakthroughs that will lead to a cure.
We will succeed in understanding, identifying, preventing, treating and ultimately curing autism with your help. No matter how big or how small, every effort brings us closer to a cure.
Cure Autism Now Science Programs
We believe science can be hurried by facilitating collaboration and removing barriers to sharing data. Cure Autism Now has created a virtual lab of autism researchers by promoting cross-disciplinary cooperation, organizing research summit meetings, reducing duplicated resources, and by establishing standards to create and manage data that can be accessed by everyone.
Cure Autism Now rewards innovative research by funding field-building grants that provide seed money for young scientists and novel ideas, and career recognition awards that allow experts to work faster and entice new researchers into the field. Our initiatives focus proactive funding in emerging areas of research. Current initiatives include:
- Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE)
- Autism Treatment Network (ATN)
- Innovative Technology for Autism (ITA)
- Internet System for Assessing Autistic Children (ISAAC)
Get Involved
There are several ways for you to get involved and volunteer with Cure Autism Now.
Cure Autism Now Volunteer Chapters
We know the difference one person can make.
Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, Cure Autism Now chapters provide support and information to families and friends affected by autism, while also playing a vital role in raising funds and building awareness. In 2006, Cure Autism Now chapters have:
And we plan on doing even more in 2007-with your help. There is something you can do about autism. Be part of the solution and gain an incredible sense of accomplishment as you work with other families to accelerate the pace of autism research. Whether you have 30 minutes a week or 30 hours a month, we have opportunities for you to get involved.
For information on chapter activities, visit www.cureautismnow.org/chapters or call (888) 8-AUTISM.
WALK NOW
Held across the nation from L.A. to Boston, WALK NOW unites thousands of parents, children and volunteers in a friendly, fun and empowering environment. Participants enjoy plenty of good food, fellow supporters and company along the route of this non-competitive 5K walk. Every WALK NOW event features a Resource Fair, where parents can meet a variety of autism service providers while kids enjoy arts and crafts and other fun activities.
Join us at our next WALK NOW. Every step you take puts us closer to finding the causes, effective treatments and a cure for autism.
Call (888) 8-AUTISM or visit www.walknow.org for information, schedules and participating cities.
Special Events
Cure Autism Now hosts a multitude of special events in cities across the United States to raise funds for our scientific efforts. Ride Now brings the motorcycle community together in support of those affected by autism in cities across the country. Acts of Love, held in Los Angeles, engages the entertainment community with a special one-night only theatrical event. The Potomac 5K and Bethesda Triathlon & Duathlon attract the support of the competitive outdoor community. Each event helps raise awareness about autism and funding for Cure Autism Now's programs.
Cure Autism Now supporters across the country also organize their own walks, runs, triathlons, golf tournaments, parties and other exciting events. Help us by joining Cure Autism Now at one of our events, by hosting an event in your town or by joining an event committee. For more information on how you can get involved, e-mail specialevents@cureautismnow.org or call (888) 8-AUTISM. Visit www.cureautismnow.org/calendar for a current list of special events.
Athletes Against Autism
Athletes Against Autism (Triple A), an initiative of Cure Autism Now, brings together professional athletes and sports teams to raise awareness about autism, funding for Cure Autism Now and develop family support programs. Triple A was founded by professional athletes Olie Kolzig, Byron Dafoe and Scott Mellanby, each a parent of a child affected by autism. Join us at events around the country, raising money for the groundbreaking programs and research projects. For more information about Triple A members, partners and programs in your area, visit www.athletesagainstautism.org.
Visit us at www.cureautismnow.org or call us at (888) 8-AUTISM for more information on how you can get involved.
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