Autism Speaks is dedicated to:

• Science and Research - leading us to answers and interventions
• Family Services - providing families with information, tools and resources
• Awareness - increasing public knowledge and understanding of autism 
• Advocacy - accelerating national and state autism legislation

In Ohio, we have funded over $1,450,000 in these areas.

Ohioans in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati embody the mission of Autism Speaks in their local communities. We invite you to find out more and participate in statewide advocacy efforts, local community resources, upcoming events, and ways to get involved.

Autism Speaks is coming to Toledo: Come learn how Autism Speaks is helping families and advancing research, Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the United Way of Toledo.  This is a free informational session that is open to everyone.  Please RSVP by emailing toledo@autismspeaks.org or calling 888-627-6227.

Family Services:

Ohio awarded two new Community Grants in Spring of 2008 - Both Cleveland Clinic at Children's Hopsital and Western Reserve Speech and Language Partners were awarded community grants of more than $20,000.  The programs will focus on social interactions and adaptive physical fitness. 

Events:

Cleveland has another successful Kick-Off - On July 22, 2008 the 2nd annual Kick Off in Cleveland had over 650 people attend at Landerhaven. We heard from a lot of motivational speakers: Joe Kraft, who gave a father’s perspective, Erin Harwood, talked about how she became the highest fundraiser for the 2007 walk, Dr. McHugh from the Cleveland Clinic, talk about how to be a corporate sponsor, Thomas Mazanec, shared his story of living with Asperger’s, and of course it would be an event in Cleveland if Eileen McShea, WKYC Channel 3, wasn’t are Emcee for the evening.