Autism affects everyone. The CDC reports that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therefore, you most likely know a child with ASD or will meet one at least once in your lifetime. So, you may be looking for ways to support your favorite Autism charity.
ASD charities exist to help raise awareness, find new solutions, and improve resources. If you want to do your part, you simply need to find an ASD Charity that you believe in. You can support it in whatever way feels most comfortable to you.
Here you’ll find more information about ASD, some options for charities to look into, and ways to support the organization(s) of your choice.
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is, according to the CDC, is a developmental disability. Differences in the brain create various symptoms that may appear to a greater or lesser degree. In other words, ASD is a different way of thinking.
As a result of those brain differences, people with ASD may face challenges with communication, social interaction, learning, and attention. Some have focused but limited interests, while others may have repetitive behaviors. Still, some may experience sensory sensitivities. There are diverse symptoms, and people may or may not have a lot of difficulty with them.
10 Popular Autism Charities
You might get a little overwhelmed when looking for an autism charity you want to support. There are many charities, so you should always do your research.
Make sure that the organization(s) align with your values and goals. Find out where the money goes. Attend their events to learn more about the people that they help. With that in mind, some of the most well-known, established, and popular autism charities include:
- Art of Autism supports people with ASD who work in the arts.
- Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) provides services to children, adults, couples, and families with high-functioning autism; people with ASD work in all aspects of the organization.
- Autism Science Foundation works on ASD research.
- Autism Society of America helps people with ASD find the resources that will assist them in communities across the United States.
- Autism Speaks raises money through events to support advocacy, research, and direct services.
- Organization for Autism Research (OAR) works in the research sector and also has several programs such as scholarships for people with ASD.
- STAR Institute is a research organization for people with sensory issues.
- The Autism Community in Action (TACA) provides resources, support, and education to families living with ASD.
- The Autism National Committee is an all-volunteer organization doing social justice outreach.
- UC Davis Mind Institute is a leader in research and education as well as in providing therapeutic services.
Note that each country also has its own organizations. For example, Autism Canada is one well-known charity.
Ways to Support Your Favorite Autism Charity
Once you choose an autism charity whose work you believe in, you can do many things to support them. Of course, you can donate any amount. However, you can also help them in other ways.
Ways to Save Money to Donate to an Autism Charity
If you donate money to organizations, they can put that towards whatever they most need at the time. Therefore, it’s always an excellent option for providing support. There are many different ways to save money for donation. Here are some great examples:
1. Buy Through Retailers That Support Autism Services
There are ways to support Autism services when you’re shopping online. For example, if you use a cash back site like Dollar Dig, the site will send a portion of your purchase to Autism support services. Pretty much what you do is open an account and shop through to the retailers site. Dollar Dig will split the commission they get from the retailer with you.
April is Autism awareness money, Dollar Dig is donating half of their net profits to POAC Autism Services research.
2. Credit Card Rewards
Do you have a credit card that offers cashback rewards? Use that credit card regularly. Every quarter or annually, cash out the rewards. Send that amount directly to the autism charity of your choice. After all, most of us think of this as extra money outside of our regular budget. Therefore, it’s easy to donate it.
3. Raise Money for Charity
All of the above examples offer ways to save money to donate. However, you can also raise money for charity. There are so many different ways to do that. Some organizations have specific fundraising opportunities that you can participate in.
Sponsored walks are a popular example. Online fundraising teams are another option. However, you can do a social media fundraiser, get your community group to raise money, or otherwise fundraise on your own for donation.
4. Buy Their Merch
Once you have money, you can use it in various ways. Beyond just a regular donation, you can also make purchases from some organizations. Many sell merchandise with profits going towards the organization. Some sell event tickets.
Find out what you can buy to support your favorite autism charity. Some organizations also offer Membership at different price points, allowing you to give monthly or annually in exchange for training or education.
Other Ways to Support Charities
Some people can’t or don’t want to give money to charities but are happy to support them in other ways. Here are some non-monetary ways to support your favorite autism charity:
5. Donate Your Time
One of the most impactful ways to improve your own life while helping others is volunteering your time. Your favorite autism charity might have different ways that you can help. If you have a specific skill set, such as web design, then you might donate those services. Alternatively, you can simply be an extra hand at events as needed. Most of these organizations list volunteer opportunities on their websites. However, you can always call or email to ask.
6. Donate Products and Services
There are two common ways that people can donate items to charities. The first one is by donating specific items. Most organizations list these needed items on their websites or newsletters. For example, an organization might need a new computer system that you’re able to donate. Again, you can always ask.
The second one is by donating items for raffles and auctions. If you have a small business, then this is a great way to raise awareness about your business while supporting the charity that you care about. You can donate all types of products and services to these events.
7. Participate
Find out what the organization has going on and join in. Attend conferences, workshops, walks, marches, events, etc. Although this is a way of donating your time, it’s slightly different from volunteering. You don’t have to “work” once you get there. You might just have to enjoy or learn. The point here is that just showing up is good enough if that’s what you can only do to give right now.
8. Support Organizations That Support Autism Charities
For example, Dollar Dig, the cashback rebate site mentioned above, usually donates profits to charity every April. It chose April because it’s Autism Awareness Month.
You help foundations simply by using its site during that month. Many businesses support different causes in different ways. Do your research and find companies to work with that support the charities that you care most about.
9. Work Towards Inclusivity
In other ways, reach out to the people with ASD in your area. For example, you might start a mentoring or internship program at your workplace. Find out if there’s a way that you can collaborate with your favorite charity to create opportunities for inclusivity.
10. Join a Clinical Trial
There are clinical trials for ASD research all around the country (and the world). Some require that you have ASD to participate while others do not, depending on the type of study.
By participating in a clinical trial, you help to move this research forward. You might even earn some money for your efforts! These trials may or may not be affiliated with charities.
11. Spread the Word
Raising awareness is one of the most important things you can do for causes that you care about. You want to raise awareness about the cause and the charity that helps solve the problem. This means talking about it and educating people when you get the chance. You can also raise awareness by posting, sharing, and liking on social media. Use your platform to elevate others.
Every little bit helps. What can you do today to support people with ASD?
Read More:
- Ten Charities To Donate To This Holiday Season
- Charitable Contribution Worth – Daily Tip
- Three Things To Keep In Mind When Making Charitable Gifts
- The Ins and Outs of Donating Securities
- Giving Back To Veterans: Ten Tax Deductible Charities To Say “Thanks”
Come back to what you love! Dollardig.com is the most reliable cash back site on the web. Just sign up, click, shop, and get full cash back!
Kathryn Vercillo is a professional writer who loves to live a balanced life. She appreciates a good work-life balance. She enjoys balance in her relationships and has worked hard to learn how to balance her finances to allow for a balanced life overall. Although she’s only blonde some of the time, she’s always striving for total balance. She’s excited to share what she’s learned with you and to discover more together along the way.
Comments