In 1965, the National Society for Autistic Children (later renamed the Autism Society of America) was founded by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan and many other parents of children with autism.

The Autism Society has grown from a handful of parents into a nationally, trusted thought leader in the Autism and I/DD communities. The Autism Society is the oldest and largest grassroots Autism organization and nationally serves over half a million people per year.

Throughout the years, the Autism Society has helped millions of Autistic individuals, their families, and community members through advocacy, education, resources and community programming.