Post on 13-Jul-2018
transcript
Letter from the Founders
Dear Friends,
In 2005, when we founded Autism Speaks, we were convinced that our primary task was to raise awareness. We knew
that once this disorder was brought into public consciousness, autism would begin to get the funding necessary to
drive the research and bring us the answers we were so desperate to find.
We are gratified by how true this conviction turned out to be. Through our efforts, awareness about autism has
skyrocketed, and last year Autism Speaks raised an unprecedented $60 million. Our science program funded over
$30 million in scientific research in 2007, making us the top private funder of autism research in the nation. Dozens
of Autism Speaks–funded researchers reported major scientific findings in the areas of etiology, biology, treatment,
and diagnosis. Also in 2007, Autism Speaks accepted responsibility to fund the Autism Treatment Network, adding
10 new hospitals to this critically important network. Among many other achievements, Autism Speaks, together
with the Kennedy Krieger Institute, launched the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), the first national online autism
registry linking families to researchers. With 20,000 individuals and families already registered, never before have
researchers been offered access to such a large pool of family-provided data. We can only imagine what the benefits
will be for scientists exploring the mysteries of this disorder.
We are proud of our role in funding some of the most promising avenues of autism research in the scientific
community, but equally proud of our successes in other areas. In 2007, we saw important federal legislation signed
into law, and worked successfully to get moneys allocated for the Combating Autism Act. We saw states begin to
take steps to rectify inequities in their laws governing insurance companies. And, at the end of the year, we saw the
United Nations General Assembly adopt, by unanimous consent, a resolution to designate April 2 as World Autism
Awareness Day. This will be an unprecedented global effort to raise awareness about autism in 2008.
We are constantly humbled by the countless people who have committed their time, passion, and resources to this
organization and this cause. We cannot continue to move forward without your help, and, while we have come far
indeed, there is still much work to be done. We are optimistic that millions of children and families will soon begin
to reap the rewards of the progress being made on all fronts. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your
continued support.
Sincerely,
Suzanne and Bob Wright
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Letter from the PresidentDear Friends,
As I look back over this past year, I am incredibly proud—and, I admit, a little awestruck—at how far we have come
as an organization in just one year. Most significantly, on February 5, 2007, Autism Speaks finalized its merger with
Cure Autism Now (CAN), the third since its inception, establishing us as the largest nonprofit dedicated to autism
in the nation. The CAN merger represented a tipping point not only for Autism Speaks but for the autism advocacy
movement. After having combined four autism organizations into one, it meant that we would now, for the first time
ever, be moving forward as a unified autism community.
At the time, I’m not sure that any of us realized what this could mean, but, as you will see in these pages, our
impressive accomplishments during the past year tell the story loud and clear. In 2007, Autism Speaks raised over $60
million, enabling us to almost double our research budget to over $30 million. We’ve hired a Chief Science Officer,
Dr. Geraldine Dawson, to guide our scientific mission as our research budget continues to grow. Our walks saw a
surge of energy, with over 300,000 volunteers participating in 60 walks coast to coast. Our brand-new family services
initiative—which started in 2007 as an entirely volunteer-based committee and is now a fully staffed department—
launched a database of over 15,000 local resources across the country and funded the first set of community grants
in Autism Speaks’ history. And in terms of advocacy, we have not only made huge progress on the national level with
the Combating Autism Act and the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act, but we are now moving
state to state to help bring about autism insurance reform. In all of these ways, we are starting to make a tangible
difference in the lives of families across the country.
Perhaps the most significant milestone of 2007 is the fact that, because of increased awareness about autism and the
crucial research on early diagnosis that we and our predecessor organizations funded over the years, the American
Academy of Pediatrics recently changed its guidelines, urging that all infants be screened specifically for autism twice
before their second birthday. This is a momentous achievement because the earlier children are diagnosed with
autism, the better their prognosis.
The remarkable growth we have experienced as an organization this year testifies to our founders’ belief in the
strength of a unified autism community. I am honored to be a part of this historic achievement, and more optimistic
than ever about the great possibilities that lie ahead. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Autism Speaks, I
am pleased to present to you our annual report for the fiscal year 2007, and I look forward to your continued support
as we forge ahead in our efforts to find a cure for autism.
Sincerely,
Mark Roithmayr
President, Autism Speaks
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About Autism
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Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impacts •
communication, behavior and social relationships
1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism•
1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum•
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than •
with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability •
in the U.S.
Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure •
expected to increase significantly in the next decade
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism•
There is no medical detection or cure for autism•
Our Mission
At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.
We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to
raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all
who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals.
Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private
sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that,
working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Autism Speaks. It’s time to listen.
2007 In Review
It was a momentous year for autism research. In 2007, Autism Speaks funded over $30 million
in research, almost double that of last year. With anticipated annual budget increases of 15 to
25 percent over the next few years, we took the opportunity to clarify and define our research
priorities into four distinct areas: etiology (or risk factors), biology, diagnosis and treatment.
Autism demands answers for each of these questions. All are priorities. Autism Speaks has garnered
its resources and organized its research program to pursue these avenues simultaneously.
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Science and Research
Our science portfolio targets four specific areas:
Etiology Why does someone get autism?
Goal Understanding the triggers and susceptibilities to autism
Focus Developing and managing grants and initiatives in the areas of genetics,
environmental sciences, and epidemiology
Biology What are the biological problems associated with autism?
Goal Understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of autism
Focus Developing and managing grants and initiatives in the areas of
neurosciences, physiology, and molecular biology
Diagnosis How do we know if someone has autism?
Goal Refining existing diagnostic tools and developing new diagnostic approaches
to aid in early detection
Focus Developing and managing grants and initiatives in the areas of behavioral
and biological methods of diagnosis as well as characterization of the
autism phenotypes
Treatment How can we help individuals with autism?
Goal Increasing the efficacy and range of treatment options available
Focus Developing and managing grants and initiatives in the areas of behavioral,
biomedical, and technological methods of treatment and intervention services
Top Ten Autism Research Events of 2007
Spontaneous Mutations
Armed with the latest technology and three different collections of patient DNA, researchers
scanned the genome for the presence of Copy Number Variants (CNV) in autism. They reported that
not only do individuals with autism have more CNV than individuals without autism, but that CNV
in autism occurs more often as “de novo” or spontaneous mutations (mutations not found in the
DNA of either parent). They also found that these spontaneous CNV appear to be more common in
families with only one child with autism than in those with multiple affected children.
Potential Reversal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The year 2007 saw successful treatment of disease symptoms in mouse models of
three different neurodevelopmental disorders related to autism. Most significantly,
two of three (Fragile X and Rett) involved reversal of the phenotype after the mice had
already become sick, suggesting that developmental disorders such as autism may be
treatable in adolescence or adulthood.
New AAP Policy and Guidelines
After years of parents urging for earlier diagnosis and better treatments, the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued two new clinical reports in October that will help
pediatricians recognize autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) earlier and guide families
to effective interventions. Most significantly, the AAP now recommends universal
screening, which means pediatricians are urged to conduct formal ASD screening on all
children at 18 and 24 months.
Autism “Costs” Society
Researchers in 2007 made several strides in forcing the community-at-large to face the magnitude
of managing the growing autism healthcare crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) released the first nationwide prevalence survey and the first statewide epidemiological
record-based surveys using standardized approaches, making the whole country shockingly aware
that one in 150 children in America has an autism diagnosis, and a Harvard economist estimated
that autism will cost society $35 billion annually.
Autism Genome Project
The largest genetics consortium to date, the Autism Genome Project (AGP), released its first results.
Launched in 2004, the AGP is the most extensive study ever conducted to find the genes associated
with risk for developing autism. Comprised of approximately 50 academic and research institutions
representing 19 countries, many of the world’s leading genetics researchers pooled their resources
and used a promising new technology, the DNA microarray, to scan the human genome in search of
the genetic causes of this devastating disorder. Continued on next page
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Drug for Autism
In late 2006 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first medication indicated
to treat certain symptoms associated with autism, making 2007 the first year an approved drug for
autism was available. The drug, risperidone, sold under the brand name Risperdal, is manufactured
and marketed by Janssen, L.P., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
Converging Signaling Pathways
Finding an animal model system with similar behavioral tendencies as humans allows
researchers to study which biochemical pathways break down in autism and, most
importantly, how they can be treated. In 2007, researchers added an important new
model system to their arsenal, the “PTEN conditional knockout” mouse.
First Humanized Mouse Model
Last year researchers reported that they had succeeded in replacing the mouse
neuroligin-3 gene with a human version containing the exact mutation discovered in
2004 to be the cause of autism in a Swedish family with two affected brothers. This
“humanized neuroligin-3” mouse provided the research community with a strong
new tool to directly assess the neurobiology, behavioral deficits and, conceivably soon
enough, treatment approaches for autism.
Functional Underconnectivity
Two new studies showed that deficits in autism may be found in the wiring of the neural networks
that connect the different parts of our brain together, leading to a theory of autism called “functional
underconnectivity,” which hypothesizes that brain regions are not properly linked. These studies
added critical evidence that communication problems between regions of the brain may be central
to the impairments in autism, and could be directing us toward the ultimate design of strategies to
resynchronize brain activity.
AGRE Reaches 100 Publication Milestone
The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) is a nation-wide family registry and biomaterials
repository that recruits families with at least two members with an autism spectrum disorder. AGRE,
an open-access, collaborative resource, reached a
publication milestone when the 100th paper citing
use of the resource was released. As recognition of
this remarkable contribution, the National Institute
of Mental Health awarded an $8.4 million grant to
the University of Southern California to support
AGRE with the next five years of data collection.
Continued from previous page.
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Science and Research
Suzanne Wright spoke at the Second Annual International Forum in Doha, and visited the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nassar Al-Missnad, wife of His Highness the Emir of Qatar.
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Other Significant Science Events
The Institute of Medicine used the words “autism” and “environment” in the same sentence, heralding a new •
legitimacy for environmental research in autism.
Researchers identified that lack of response to your name at one year of age is one of the earliest signs of autism, •
and that signs can now be identified at 14 months in half of the children with the disorder.
Converging evidence suggested that parental age, either maternal or paternal (or both), is related to, but not •
necessarily the cause of, increased risk of autism.
The most sophisticated application to date of geographic information systems and data-mining assessed prenatal •
environmental exposures in autism and revealed critical periods of chemical exposure that are associated with an
increased risk of autism in some groups.
Discovery of rare families with SHANK3 gene mutations added further evidence to support the synaptic dysfunction •
hypothesis. The SHANK3 gene codes for a protein involved in the formation and maintenance of synapses. It also
interacts with the neurologins and the neurexins, two other synaptic proteins that have been discovered mutated
in autism.
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Science and Research
What We Fund
Grants and Fellowships
Autism Speaks funds several types of investigator-initiated grants targeting
critical areas of autism research. These grants are crucial for allowing
investigators to gain enough data to be able to attract even larger, multi-year
commitments from the NIH and other traditional medical research funding
organizations. Fellowships provide the necessary resources to support and
encourage the development of young scientists who benefit from the mentorship
of prominent researchers.
Our research grants include:
Augmentation and Opportunity Bridge Awards:• In light of a tight federal research
budget, these awards are designed to supplement or expand the scope of autism-
related research projects already funded through the NIH, CDC, or other federal
agencies. In 2007, a total of four projects were allocated approximately $450,000.
Basic and Clinical Research Grants:• These awards provide enhanced funding to
researchers with existing preliminary data from pilot studies. In 2007 Autism Speaks
awarded $11.5 million to 27 projects.
Innovative Technology for Autism Grants• : This grant mechanism spurs development
of new technology to assist those living with autism. In 2007, five new grants worth
approximately $416,000 were awarded.
Treatment Grants• : These grants support research focused on all aspects of treatment, including
behavioral, biomedical, and technological interventions. In 2007, $2 million in funding was
awarded to treatment research.
Pilot Research Grants• : These awards support innovative new approaches, funding an
investigator’s beginning explorations in autism research. In 2007, Autism Speaks committed
$1.7 million to support 15 projects in this category.
Our research fellowships include:
Mentor-Based Fellowships• : These fellowships are pre-doctoral and post-doctoral awards offered
to encourage and support the training of young scientists interested in a career in autism
research. In 2007, 31 mentor-based fellowships were awarded, totaling $2.6 million.
Physician/Investigator Beginning Autism Research (PIBAR) Fellowships:• These fellowships
support medical doctors who wish to spend a year devoted to autism research. In 2007, Autism
Speaks awarded $1.4 million to five such fellowships.
Autism Speaks – Organized Initiatives
As important as individual grants, initiative projects give Autism Speaks a much more
proactive role in promoting specific research. Initiatives frequently involve formation of
collaborative research consortia, support of targeted research, organization of research
meetings, and creation of research resources. We believe initiatives that bring together
researchers from varied fields will promote a collaborative approach to help solve the
mysteries of this complex disorder as quickly as possible.
Targeted Initiatives
Autism Epidemiology Network:• Autism Speaks and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) are co-sponsoring the Autism Epidemiology Network in an international effort
to understand the causes of autism, particularly across diverse genetic and cultural settings.
Autism Genome Project (AGP):• In 2007, the AGP moved into phase two, in which the coalition
of researchers will apply state-of-the-art “gene-chip” technologies to scan the genome for
association with newly identified genetic markers, as well as copy number variables along
chromosomes in autism.
Brain Development Initiative:• This initiative takes its impetus from a confluence of findings
on abnormal brain development in autism. This initiative focuses on bridging research
disciplines—brain structure, function, chemistry, and genetics—to fund innovative work in
understanding why brain development goes awry. In 2007, the Brain Development Initiative
funded the second year of the Neuropathology Workgroup, a collaborative effort to understand
the cellular and molecular changes in the developing autism brain.
Gene-Environment Interaction Initiative: • This interdisciplinary effort began in 2007
and brings together experts in the fields of genetics and environmental health to
capitalize on the latest findings in autism genetic and environmental sciences.
High-Risk Baby Siblings Consortium and Toddler Treatment Network: •
The Consortium’s goal is to bring together the major research groups
in the field (including the National Institutes of Health [NIH]
and scientists worldwide) to discover the earliest behavioral
and biomedical markers for ASD and develop treatments
appropriate for infants and toddlers.
Innovative Technology for Autism Initiative:• This initiative
was established to lead in the development of
products that provide real-world solutions to
issues faced by those with autism, their
families, educators, healthcare specialists
and researchers.
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Science and Research
Resources and Clinical Programs
AGRE: Autism Genetic Resource Exchange:• The AGRE collection is the largest
private single source of genetic and clinical information for autism research
available to scientists worldwide. In 2007, an $8.4 million grant from the NIH
was awarded to the University of Southern California to establish a Center for
Genomic and Phenomic Studies of Autism. Over the next five years, 50 percent
of those funds will be allocated to directly support the ongoing data collection
efforts of the AGRE program to survey the genetic, physical, and behavioral
profiles of children with autism. The NIH funding will double the number of
families in the AGRE database (currently at 1700) and expand the data beyond
genetic and clinical profiles to include phenomics, the systematic study of the
outward physical and behavioral characteristics of autism.
ATN: Autism Treatment Network:• The ATN is the nation’s first network of
hospitals and physicians working together to establish standards of clinical care
based on research and shared clinical practice for autism and related disorders.
At the end of 2007, Autism Speaks’ Board of Directors approved the expansion
of the ATN from five to 15 sites nationwide (sidebar), reaffirming Autism Speaks’
commitment to evidence-based treatment for autism.
ATP: Autism Tissue Program:• The ATP is the only privately funded program
dedicated to increasing and enhancing the availability of post-mortem brain
tissue for basic research in autism. In 2007, the ATP received support from the
NIH for its awareness and recruitment efforts, and hopes to secure additional
public and private funding for 2008.
“I ’ll always believe the answers are right around the corner.”
Autism Treatment Network Locations
University of Arkansas and Arkansas Children’s Hospital (Little Rock, AR)
Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program Northern California (San Jose, CA)
University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine and The Children’s Hospital (Denver, CO)
Kennedy Krieger Institute and Marcus Institute (Baltimore, MD/Atlanta, GA)
LADDERS/Mass General Hospital (Boston, MA)
University of Missouri (Columbia, MO)
Columbia University Medical Center (New York, NY)
University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (Cincinnati, OH)
Bloorview Kids Rehab, Surrey Place Centre and The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Oregon Health & Science University (Portland, OR)
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
Vanderbilt University Medical School (Nashville, TN)
Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)
University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
Ted Abel, Ph.D. Univ. of Pennsylvania
David Baskin, M.D., F.A.C.S. Methodist Neurological Institute
Joseph Coyle, M.D. McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, M.D. Univ. of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Daniel Geschwind, M.D., Ph.D. David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Gary Goldstein, M.D., Chair Kennedy Krieger Institute
Charles T. Gordon, M.D. Univ. of Maryland Medical School
Susan L. Hyman, M.D. Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities Univ. of Rochester
Portia Iversen Cure Autism Now Co-Founder
Jay Kolls, M.D. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Eric London, M.D. NAAR Co-Founder, Institute of Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York
Ricki Robinson, M.D., M.P.H. Descanso Medical Center
Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp, M.D. Centers for Disease Control
Scientific Advisory Committee
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IAN: Interactive Autism Network:• IAN, a
partnership between the Kennedy Krieger
Institute and Autism Speaks, is an innovative
web-based project designed to accelerate the
pace of autism research by linking researchers
with families. In addition, families of children
with an ASD can share information in a secure
online setting and become part of the nation’s
largest online research effort. Launched in
April 2007, IAN has already registered more
than 25,000 people in this program.
CTN: Clinical Trials Network: • The CTN is a collaboration of hospitals and medical centers working
together on clinical trials. The CTN approach enables sites to enroll children around the country
in a single study, allowing sites to reach recruitment goals in a much shorter amount of time,
thereby accelerating progress. In 2007, the CTN launched a new study in collaboration with
specialty pharmaceutical company Neuropharm Group PLC. The trial, known as SOFIA (study
of fluoxetine in autism), will include more than 100 children and adolescents with ASDs to
confirm the effectiveness of Neuropharm’s custom-designed product npl-2008, a proprietary
preparation of fluoxetine, in reducing certain core symptoms of ASD.
Government Relations
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Autism Speaks Executive Board member and Cure Autism Now Co-founder Jon Shestack, with actor Brad Whitford, co-addressing families in Washington at the introduction of the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act.
Autism Speaks conducted a multifaceted
government relations program during 2007,
capitalizing on the greater awareness of
autism and the enhanced political clout of
the autism community that resulted from its
three-year lobbying effort from 2004 to 2006
to pass the Combating Autism Act (CAA).
Federal Initiatives
Upon implementation of the CAA, we advocated for appropriations to fund the fiscal
authorization in the bill. In December, President Bush signed the Fiscal 2008 Omnibus
Appropriations Act, which contained appropriations for the CAA at the full level stipulated,
less an across-the-board cut of 1.747%. In total, Autism Speaks expects a 2008 fiscal
appropriation of approximately $162 million, as authorized by the CAA, for expanded
autism surveillance, awareness, and intervention programs—nearly doubling the prior
year’s appropriation. Autism Speaks was also involved in the implementation of key
provisions of the CAA, including close oversight of the office of the Secretary of Health and
Human Services via the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC).
Autism Speaks worked with Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Wayne Allard (R-CO) to
launch the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA). The bill would
expand federal funding of autism treatments and services by $350 million.
Finally, on the Washington front, Autism Speaks worked to create the Department of
Defense Autism Research Program and received almost $14 million in additional defense
funds for autism research for fiscal years ’07 and ’08.
State Initiatives
Autism Speaks’ Government Relations department reached out beyond our nation’s
capital to begin state lobbying efforts aimed at mandating private health insurance
coverage for essential autism services. For example Autism Speaks supported
Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Denny O’Brien’s efforts to
pass a national model autism insurance mandate. Furthermore, Autism Speaks
worked with local advocates in South Carolina and Texas to secure passage of
important insurance reform bills.
Autism Speaks will be laying the groundwork for additional bids for
state-based autism insurance mandates in 2008 through a soon-to-
be-developed Chapter Advocacy Network.
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Awareness and Fundraising
Autism Speaks’ Family Services department is dedicated to empowering individuals and families impacted by
autism. Its role is to help families maximize their child’s developmental potential and improve their quality of life
by promoting and advocating for best practices in treatment, education and all services—from early intervention
to adult care.
Major accomplishments from 2007 include:
Family Services Resource Guide
In April, the first phase of an online, nationwide resource guide was launched
to provide individuals and families with local resources that serve a variety
of needs for the autism community, from early intervention through adult
care. This extensive nationwide database, which currently contains over
15,000 entries, provides users with information about healthcare facilities,
educational services, legal entitlements, recreational and community
activities, adult support services, and much more.
Community Grants
For the first time ever, Autism Speaks approved more than $565,000 in funding for 29 family services community
grants. These initial community grants focus on building the field of services for individuals with autism and
expanding the capacity to effectively serve this growing community and its range of needs. Grants were given in
the following categories: education, recreation/community activities, equipment/supportive technology, and young
adult/adult services. The Family Services Community Grants will be an ongoing initiative with grants awarded on a
bi-annual basis.
Autism Response Team
Launched in September, the Autism Response Team (ART) is a fully staffed program comprised of coordinators—all
of whom are parents of a child with autism—who have been trained to answer family inquiries in a caring and
professional manner.
Federal Legal Appeals Project
The Federal Legal Appeals Project (FLAP) provides free legal
support to certain families whose children’s educational
hearings under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Improvement Act (IDEA) have been
decided at the administrative level, appealed to
the federal level, and where the decision might
lead to important national precedents that
would benefit many families.
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Family Services
Autism Speaks was founded on the premise that raising awareness about
autism and raising money for autism research and services go hand in hand. We
are proud to report that 2007 was a stellar year on both fronts. Autism Speaks
raised over $60 million last year and awareness of autism is at an all-time high,
with studies showing that people are changing their behavior as a result of
increased awareness.
Ad Council Campaign
In April 2007, Autism Speaks, in partnership with the Ad Council, launched the
second phase of “The Odds” campaign, a national public service announcement
campaign designed to raise awareness about autism. Created pro bono by BBDO
New York, the multimedia campaign, which includes television, radio, print, and
Internet advertising, aims to motivate parents and caregivers of children aged
0-6 to visit autismspeaks.org to learn the signs of autism and find out about
early intervention. The new campaign builds on the success of the first round of
advertising, begun in 2006, which focused on raising general awareness about
the prevalence of autism and increasing parental knowledge about the disorder.
“The Odds” has been one of the most successful public service campaigns in Ad
Council history. To date, the campaign has garnered over $115 million in donated
media and led to a nationwide 43 percent increase in autism awareness by the
general public. Perhaps no other childhood disorder has come into the public eye
as quickly and as widely as autism. “The Odds” campaign has successfully made
autism a more common subject for family concern and discussion, empowering
parents to take action that will significantly enhance their children’s development.
Considering the widespread nature of the disorder, such action could potentially
benefit nearly two million children in the U.S., significantly improving the health
and welfare of future generations.
Awareness and Fundraising
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AutismSpeaks.org
The Autism Speaks website has always been a
key platform for spreading awareness of autism,
and this year it attracted more than three million
visitors, making it the most heavily trafficked
website on the topic of autism, according to
Yahoo! and Google. The site debuted new
online message boards, allowing members of
the autism community to quickly and safely
share information, resources, and support on
a wide range of topics. We also expanded and
enhanced the science, family services, and
government relations sections. In addition,
Autism Speaks joined forces with YouTube to
create AutismSpeaksVids, a new video channel
dedicated to promoting autism awareness online.
“People have no idea what it is like to have a child with autism.”
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Awareness and Fundraising
Together with Florida State University and
First Signs, Autism Speaks launched a first-
of-its-kind Autism Video Glossary, a free,
web-based tool with over a hundred video
clips illustrating both typical and atypical
development. The goal of the project is to
help parents of children suspected of or
recently diagnosed with autism to better
understand some of the words and terms
they might hear used in association with
autism spectrum disorders. Video clips are
used to show examples of such terms as
social reciprocity, joint attention, sensory
defensiveness, hand flapping, and echolalia.
Autism Speaks also contributed to community-wide efforts to build knowledge about autism.
Citing increased autism awareness by parents, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) not only
issued new guidelines for autism screening, but the new AAP Autism Toolkit, which includes Autism
Speaks’ new online video glossary, now also provides pediatricians with a wide range of new
tools to help them diagnose autism earlier.
In December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to designate April 2 as
World Autism Awareness Day. The day will be marked around the world with education, awareness,
and celebration. Both of these milestones demonstrate just how far-reaching Autism Speaks’
awareness efforts have been in creating unprecedented change on a national and global level.
World Autism Awareness Day
Media Appearances
In 2007, Autism Speaks continued to receive unprecedented attention in the
popular media, bringing awareness of autism and its challenges to millions.
Highlights include:
Hollywood’s biggest stars showed their support for Autism Speaks •
and its mission of autism awareness and research by wearing Autism
Speaks’ blue puzzle piece pin.
Autism Speaks’ documentary, • Autism Every Day, premiered at the
Sundance Film Festival to a sold-out audience as well as to critical
acclaim.
The Oprah Winfrey Show • devoted a full hour to autism awareness
in April, airing portions of Autism Every Day. Several of the parents
featured in the film participated in the show.
Larry King Live• devoted a show entirely to autism. The show featured
portions of Autism Every Day and interviews with Autism Speaks co-
founder Suzanne Wright, Autism Speaks national celebrity spokesperson
Toni Braxton and actor/comedian Bill Cosby.
Several Autism Speaks-funded scientific studies were reported on by •
the major media. The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric featured
a report on early name response as a marker for autism. Nightline,
CBS’s Early Show, NBC’s Today, and CNN’s Larry King Live all ran reports
after the American Academy of Pediatrics issued new autism screening
guidelines. In addition, CBS’s Early Show, ABC’s World News and
Nightline, CNN and Fox News Channel all aired segments on the Autism
Video Glossary.
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Retail Partnerships
Autism Speaks works with some of the nation’s leading retailers to increase
awareness and raise funds. This year, over $2.5 million was raised through such
partnerships.
Toys“R”Us • and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund raised nearly $1.4 million in
their nationwide campaign to support Autism Speaks. For seven weeks, as
part of Autism Awareness Month, all Toys“R”Us stores across the country,
along with the Toys“R”Us website, collected cash donations in an effort to
help solve the puzzle of autism. Geoffrey, the Toys“R”Us giraffe, appeared at
many walks around the country and store employees formed walk teams in
their areas.
Nearly one million bags of • Bachman’s Thin ’n Right® Pretzels, Jax® Cheese
Curls, Chipitos® Tortilla Chips, and the popular Tray Pack Pretzel Stix featured
Autism Speaks stickers with one of four autism facts. The stickers also listed
Autism Speaks’ website as a resource for parents to learn the early signs of
autism.
Autism Speaks gave • Starbucks customers something to think about when
co-founder Bob Wright’s reflections appeared on Starbucks white cups
across North America as part of “The Way I See It” program. Wright’s quote
urged parents to learn the signs of autism and act early if they suspect their
child is experiencing a developmental delay. The message appeared on over
five million venti-sized cups across the U.S.
18
Awareness and Fundraising
00
Awareness and Fundraising
The • Teletubbies celebrated their tenth anniversary with a “British invasion”
of the United States that helped raise awareness and funds for Autism
Speaks. Proceeds from sales of Teletubbies-licensed products benefited
Autism Speaks. In addition, the new Teletubbies grandparent guide featured
a page of information about autism.
Autism Speaks and national fashion retailer • TJ Maxx partnered for the
fourth year on a month-long fundraising and awareness program at 800
TJ Maxx stores nationwide. Customers were invited to purchase an Autism
Speaks puzzle piece at checkout, raising over $1 million.
For the third year, • Modell’s Sporting Goods’ 128 store locations throughout
the Northeast held a four-week “Dollar Donation Days” promotion to benefit
Autism Speaks. Customers purchased Autism Speaks puzzle pieces at
checkout, raising a total of $94,000 to be directed toward autism research.
Build-a-Bear Workshop• and Autism Speaks teamed up for the third year in a
row to raise funds for autism research and awareness. During the month
of April, the sale of purple satin hearts raised nearly $50,000.
19
00
Awareness and FundraisingAwareness and Fundraising
Special Events
Special events are an important component of Autism Speaks’ fundraising,
with events in 2007 bringing in more than $8 million for autism research and
programs. Attracting celebrity participants and national media
coverage, special events also serve to increase public awareness
about autism. Our 2007 events included golf tournaments across
the country, run/walk events, concerts, and autism awareness nights
with professional sports teams across the United States involving
the National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, Major
League Baseball, and Major League Soccer.
In addition to Autism Speaks organized events, supporters across
the country organized more than one hundred community events
benefiting Autism Speaks. Events included bowling tournaments, golf
outings, 5K runs and dinner parties. Many of these events were quite
creative; for example, a “Heely-A-Thon,” where children raced on shoes
that roll around a neighborhood cul-de-sac, raising money with each lap.
Kickoff for a Cure II
This dinner gala hosted by the NFL raised $2.1 million to equally benefit Autism
Speaks and The Gillen Brewer School. More than eight hundred guests enjoyed
the chance to mingle with their favorite past and current NFL players.
Concert for Autism Speaks Featuring Bill Cosby and Toni Braxton
Comedy legend Bill Cosby, along with Grammy winner Toni Braxton, headlined a
sold-out concert that raised $1.45 million to explore the environmental causes
of autism as well as research on treatments. Tom Brokaw served as the evening’s
master of ceremonies.
20
00
Awareness and Fundraising
21
Acts of Love
The fifth annual Acts of Love featured an ensemble cast that
performed an array of readings and quotes all in celebration
of children. The event was held in Los Angeles and raised more than
$125,000.
Autism Speaks’ ING DIRECT Ride Now
Held in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia,
ING DIRECT Ride Now events attracted more than four thousand
motorcycle enthusiasts, raising more than $375,000.
Z100 Jingle Ball
Autism Speaks was the beneficiary of the Z100 Jingle Ball Concert
held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which raised
$25,000. Photo, left to right: star of NBC’s Heroes, Hayden Panettiere,
Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr, Autism Speaks Director of
Creative Services Bill Shea, and Elvis Duran of Z100.
Autism Speaks to Wall Street:A Celebrity Chef Gala
At this inaugural event, held at New York City’s
Capitale Restaurant, culinary luminaries including
Franklin Becker, Terrance Brennan and Wylie
Dufresne cooked tableside, raising $1 million for
Autism Speaks, with a portion of the proceeds going
directly to the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center
at New York University.
AUTISM SPEAKSTM
Walk Now for Autism
In 2007, Autism Speaks’ Walk Now for Autism program held 60 events, raising a record-breaking
$27.1 million. Over 300,000 people participated in our walks, which took place in communities
across the United States as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Inaugural events in
2007 were held in eight locations: Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lincoln, Nebraska; Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Nantucket, Massachusetts; Jamestown, New York;
and Allentown, Pennsylvania. Both Cleveland and Detroit raised more than $500,000 in their
first-year events!
Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones
on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots
fundraising effort, with national walk sponsor
Toys“R”Us, not only generates vital funds for
autism research but also raises crucial awareness
about autism on the local level. Many other
sponsors, including General Motors, provide
significant funding and resources. Bringing
together friends, families, local political
figures, and celebrity guests for a day of
fun and festivities in the service of a common
goal, the walks are an excellent example of
what collaborative efforts on behalf of the
autism community can achieve. Autism Speaks
is grateful to the many dedicated volunteers who
lead these events.
22
Awareness and Fundraising
*contributions represent multi-year pledges (as of 1/30/08) 23
Major Gifts
Autism Speaks’ Major Gifts Program is directed toward individuals, foundations,
and corporations that make gifts of $5,000 or more unrelated to a walk or special
event. These gifts can be applied broadly to general operating and program needs or
restricted to support specific initiatives. In 2007, Autism Speaks raised $16.2 million
through major gifts, up substantially from 2006.
Autism Speaks is grateful to all the individuals and sponsors who generously
supported our mission in 2007 and who serve as an inspiration to others. Because of
space limitations, the following list is limited to the $10,000+ category.
$5,000,000 +The Marcus Foundation, Inc.*
$1,000,000 - $4,999,999Anonymous*Allerton FoundationSallie and Tom Bernard*Dan Doherty*Phil and Faith GeierGordon and Llura Gund*Mel and Terry Karmazin*Brian and Tricia KellyTJX FoundationToys“R”UsSuzanne and Bob Wright*
$500,000 - $999,999Anonymous
$250,000 - $499,999Higgins Family Charitable FoundationLiskow & Lewis, PLCSteven Wise
$100,000 - $249,999Boler Family FoundationBTIG, LLCIrwin Chafetz*CIBC World MarketsYves and Connie de Balmann*Peter Emch and Merope PavlidesBernard Gassin Family FoundationGirard Gibbs LLPRalph Iannelli*ING DIRECTNBC Universal Leadership CouncilNikken, Inc.Estate of Martin RedlichBenita and Michael Romano*Marilyn and Jim SimonsSouthwest Autism Research and Resource CenterTudor Investment CorporationUBSThe Wasserman Foundation
$50,000 - $99,999Anonymous (2)Apollo Management L.P.The Solomon R. and Rebecca D. Baker FoundationBuild-A-Bear Workshop FoundationChinook Charitable TrustClassy Classic Cars, Ltd.Shelly DavidoffDeluxe LaboratoriesDiamond Resorts, LLCCarol and Harvey EisenbergThe Hearst CorporationIreland Family FoundationJewelers for ChildrenJL FoundationJohnson & JohnsonJPMorgan Chase & Co.Modell’sMorgan StanleyNew York Center for AutismNew York Stock Exchange FoundationPerelman Family FoundationSumner Redstone FoundationThe Renco Group, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Henry SchachtSeinfeld Family FoundationCarl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation Simpson Thacher & BartlettStacy and Peter SullivanSunbelt Communications CompanyWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzJoseph LeRoy and Ann C. Warner FundWashington Capitals CharitiesWilf Family Foundation
$25,000 - $49,999AnonymousAdler Family FoundationAgape Foundation*Alcoa Inc.Joseph Alexander FoundationAronson Family Foundation AT&T
Avaya Inc.Neil BarskyAnita and Robert BeerBloomberg L.P.BT RadianzBuffalo BillsCablevision Systems CorporationCarol and Brian CallaciRussell CarsonCBS CorporationCitadel Broadcasting CompanyCitigroup Business ServicesJeffrey and Francesca CooperCravath, Swaine & MooreCrown Bridge Asset ManagementCummins, Inc.The Charles & Nancy Davidson Family Charitable Fund Tony Della SallaHarry G. DeMeo MD*Deutsche BankDevlin FoundationDisney and ESPN Media NetworksGrace R. Diaz TrustFiona and Stanley DruckenmillerEllington Management Group, LLCThe Endeavor AgencyFannie MaeFBR Foundation Inc.First Look for CharityJoannie and David FischerLawrence and Megan Foley Family FoundationFor Autistic Kids FoundationForce Capital Management, LLCJoyce FromsonFruscione FoundationGeneral Electric CompanyLisa Beth Gerstman FoundationBarbara and Richard GoldsmithMarc Haas FoundationJules Haimovitz
Donations of $25,000 – $49,999 continuedJ. Ira and Nicki HarrisHastings CapitalHSBC SecuritiesJeanette and John JaworskiKBC Financial Products, USA Inc.Hal Kelly, Jr.Howard and Michele KesslerKnight Capital GroupLehman Brothers FoundationEstate of Ethel LudlowLydian Asset Management, L.P.Thomas MaherPeter MahoneyMandelbaum FoundationMcGuggin LLCMcKinsey & CompanyKelly and Ron MeyerMKP Capital ManagementModestus Bauer FoundationNational Basketball AssociationNational Mah Jongg League FoundationNBC Universal Affiliates AssociationInna and Joshua Needelman News Corporation FoundationNorth American OperationsNorth Shore Autism CircleNorthwest AirlinesO’Melveny & Myers LLPJohn O’QuinnRichard M. OsborneRobert and Veronique PittmanPMI Mortgage Insurance Co.Pro Financial Services, Inc.Avis and Bruce RichardsRock Ridge AdvisorsMichelle RussellSatellite Asset Management, L.P.Lewis and Mary SchottSeasons Capital Management, LLCSound Capital PartnersSprint Nextel CorporationJane and James SternM.H. Taylor FoundationTeamsters Local 25Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas LeeVF FoundationVirgin Mobile USA, LLCWachovia Capital MarketsRenee and Eugene Waldron Jonah ZimilesJeffrey Zucker and Cary Nathanson
$10,000 - $24,999Anonymous (3)AJP FoundationAlcatel-Lucent FoundationAlcoa FoundationAlthea FoundationAmerican Eagle OutfittersAmerican Media Operations, Inc.Ameriprise FinancialDwight and Julie AndersonKarl Anderson
Edward AntoianFrank J. Antun FoundationAOL LLCAutism Puzzle FoundationAutism Society of DelawareKevin BaconBaltimore RavensMr. and Mrs. Timothy Barakett Barclays CapitalBayrock OrganizationBBDO WorldwideBD BiosciencesBear Stearns & Co. Fixed Income DivisionNancy Jones Beard FoundationBecton DickinsonFranklin BeckerBell & Anderson, LLC Client ServicesLiz and Peter BellJoni and Robert H. BellBeth Berke and Seth WeisbordThe Bernstein CompaniesBig Lots!Blackrock Realty, LLCThe Blackstone GroupArthur BlankAnthony BlenkBMO Harris Private BankingBNE PartnershipCatherine BollingerPatricia and Paul BossidyAndrew Boszhardt, Jr.BP1 VideoGregory BrennanLinnca BristolJean and Thomas BrooksTimothy BrosnanHeather BrownBWF FoundationCarey International, Inc.Joseph CassinMarianne and John CastleCDW CorporationCelebrity Locker Room LLCCenterplateChildren’s Miracle NetworkKevin ClareClayton, Dubilier & RiceCleveland BrownsClothes Off Our BackColumbia Presbyterian NeurosurgeryComcastConstellation EnergyBarry CopeCostco WholesaleCovington & BurlingCox Enterprises, Inc.Crain Communications Inc.Michael CraneWilliam and Tammy CrownKyle CzepielThe Dan Wolf Automotive GroupDavies Family FoundationDe Novo Legal
Michael & Susan Dell FoundationDeloitte & Touche LLPDenver BroncosDetroit LionsDonny DeutschDewey Ballantine LLPDIRECTVTroy DixonWilliam DonigerNilly and Jay DorChristopher DormentDoscas Family FoundationTimothy DownesKevin DoyleDrexel University College of MedicineEva and Glenn DubinDula FoundationAdam DunsbyE*TRADE Financial CorporationDenise and Hank EdmistonElite Administration & Insurance Group, Inc.The Embry Companies, Inc.Marlene EmbryEquinox Capital Management, LLCFacility Merchandising IncorporatedFairways at Forsgate, LLCClotilde and Vincent FarrellFifth Third BankGwen and Lester FisherEllen and Kenneth ForrestFox Family FoundationCynthia and Kurt FunderburgShelly and Joe GalliGene & Jerry Jones Family CharitiesGlobal ImpactJay GoldmanGoSMILEGrant Thornton LLPGreek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos SocietyGreen Bay PackersGreenberg Traurig, PAWilliam GreenblattNiki and Joe Gregory Charitable FoundationDavid GregoryBill Gross Memorial FundGroup Athletica, LLC.Grubman Compton FoundationGSI CommerceGuardsmark, LLCHager Hinge CompanyHarris BankHauber FoundationNoa and A. J. HazarabedianVicky and John HennellyHess Energy Trading CompanyLisa Higgins Foundation Highbridge Capital ManagementLaura and James HirschmannHOK Event, Inc.Houston TexansRobert Howard Family FoundationThe IAC FoundationIndianapolis ColtsMarci and Ed Ingram
24
Donations of $10,000 – $24,999 continuedInstitutional Capital LLCInvemed Associates LLCIonic Capital Management, LLCJ. & W. Seligman & Co. IncorporatedJack Henry & AssociatesAlexander JacksonEllen and Robert JaffeJ. B. Charitable TrustJames D. Edgeworth, Jr. & AssociatesJefferies & CompanyAdrian JonesKansas City ChiefsJill and Stephen KarpKatecho, Inc.Paula Katz and Thomas McCloskeyDonna and Hugh Kelly Lauren and Michael KennyDonald KeoughCynthia and David EigenKirshenbaum Bond & PartnersSeth KlarmanChristin and Olie KolzigMaria and Cha-Hoon KooHarriet KupferbergJesse KupferbergElaine and Ken LangoneLynn and Paul LattanzioMichele and John LawtonLeading Authorities, Inc.Leibowitz and Greenway FoundationDoug LeoneMary and Noel LesleySteven Leuthold Family FoundationLexus of NapervilleThe Lexus Pursuit of PotentialLocksmithMary and Daniel Loughran FoundationJames and Anahita LovelaceLSV Asset ManagementPat and Rufus LumryM.A.N.E. Enterprises, Inc.MacKenzie CorporationVirginia Maclean Living Revocable TrustIan Mactaggart TrustMajor League Soccer, LLCManatt, Phelps & Phillips LLPSiobhain and Matthew MarkKathleen and Christopher MatthewsScott MayMcCarton Foundation for Developmental DisabilitiesDr. Cecelia McCarton and Dr. Sigurd AckermanMCJ FoundationPatrick McMahonJamie McMurray FoundationKaren MeadMercantile-Safe Deposit & Trust CompanyMercedes-Benz USACaroline and Guy MerisonMerrill LynchThe Methodist Hospital System
Ron MeyerAlice and Lorne MichaelsRena MillwoodMinnesota Vikings FootballPaolo MonferinoMonitor Capital, Inc.MotorolaMotorsports Charities Inc.Mountain America Credit UnionMTV NetworksEugene and Mary MurphySusan and Kevin MurrayMylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.National Network of Digital SchoolsDorothy and Sterling NeblettJames NelliganLaVaun and M.B. NelsonNeumeier Investment Counsel LLCNew Country Audi of GreenwichNew England Patriots FoundationNew Orleans SaintsNew York Football GiantsNFL Players AssociationAlison and Duncan NiederauerGail and Bob O’LearyOMD USA, Inc.Options GroupOrchard Farm FoundationOspraie Management, L.P.Payden and RygelPenske Automotive Group/Longo ToyotaPepsi-ColaPequot Capital Management, Inc.Maurice PerkinsPhiladelphia EaglesPitt Ohio Express LLCPJ Pizza San Diego, LLCPlaza Linen ServiceDonald J. PlinerPlum Beach FoundationPricewaterhouseCoopersPrinceton UniversityPrudential FinancialKay and Joe PylandQTG SalesThe Quaker Oats CompanyRazor & Tie Direct, LLCRBS Greenwich CapitalThomas RenyiRescar, Inc.Reyes Family FoundationThe Ripplewood FoundationRobell Research, Inc.Philip and Monica RosenthalSteve B. RosnerThe Royalty TrustRubenstein Associates, Inc.Russert Family FoundationRyan PartnershipPatricia RyanEmily and Andrew SainesSan Diego ChargersSchering-Plough Corporation
John SchneiderRay and Jane Bell ScottRobert SelsamPeter Jay Sharp FoundationBill Shea and Frank SelvaggiLori and Rex SherrySkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLPLaura and Harry SlatkinAlan SlifkaLucia and Irwin SmigelSo. Brunswick Manor, Inc.Sony Corporation of AmericaSpencer StuartSt. Louis Rams FootballThe Staubach Company of New York, LLCSTW Fixed Income Management Ltd.Chandler and Paul TagliabueTampa Bay BuccaneersJudy and George TappertTeamsters Joint Council No. 25Ten Mile Run Developers LLCCarol ThompsonTishman Speyer Properties, LPNancy and Glenn Tringali*Sara and Robert Trulaske, Jr.Turner Investment PartnersTwin Peaks Utilities and InfrastructureUnited States Steel CorporationUnivision Communications, Inc.Upland Country Day SchoolVerizon FoundationDani and Ted VirtueGregory VoetschJeffrey WaldronLisa and Mark WalshWarburg Pincus LLCWarmenhoven Family FoundationWarner Music Group ServicesWashington RedskinsJulie and Rob WebsterWeil, Gotshal & Manges Foundation Inc.Wells Fargo Bank, WestWestchester BMWWhite & Case LLPKathie and Michael WilliamsLeslie and John WilsonSherry WilzigEvan WinklerCindy and David WittelsWolf Block Schorr and Solis Cohen LLPCynthia WollsteinJohn York, II
25
26
March 20, 2008
Board of Directors
Autism Speaks, Inc.
New York, New York
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Autism Speaks, Inc. and Subsidiaries
as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of activities, functional expenses and cash flows for
the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Autism Speaks, Inc.’s management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We did not
audit the financial statements of Cure Autism Now, a subsidiary, which statements reflect total assets of $4,554,004 and
net assets of $1,571,745 as of December 31, 2007, and total public support and revenues of $14,364,955 for the year
then ended. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion,
insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Cure Autism Now, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit and the report of the other auditors
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Autism Speaks, Inc. and Subsidiaries
as of December 31, 2007, and the changes in its consolidated net assets and its consolidated cash flows for the year then
ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Elliot Horowitz & Company, LLP
New York, New York
Financials
27
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - DECEMBER 31, 2007
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $13,773,348
Marketable investment securities 7,100,513
Accounts receivable, net 480,089
Pledges receivable, net 5,782,122
Prepaid expenses 40,040
Other assets 350,585
Computer software (net of accumulated amortization of $531,882) 429,069
Equipment and property, net 970,448
TOTAL ASSETS $28,926,214
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities
Grants payable $11,227,807
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 3,378,851
Deferred revenue 50,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES 14,656,658
COMMITMENTS (NOTES 7, 8 AND 13)
Net assets
Unrestricted 6,425,172
Temporarily restricted 7,844,384
TOTAL NET ASSETS 14,269,556
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $28,926,214
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
Temporarily
Unrestricted Restricted Total
PUBLIC SUPPORT AND REVENUE
Walk program/Retail partners $29,267,724 $715,000 $29,982,724
Major gifts and other contributions 14,163,636 7,441,939 21,605,575
Special events 6,266,297 1,890,756 8,157,053
Government grants 798,288 307,705 1,105,993
Interest income and other 828,980 828,980
Total public support and revenue before release of restrictions 51,324,925 10,355,400 61,680,325
Net assets released from restrictions 6,068,117 (6,068,117)
TOTAL PUBLIC SUPPORT AND REVENUE 57,393,042 4,287,283 61,680,325
EXPENSES
Program services 46,674,879 46,674,879
Supporting services
Management and general 3,109,379 3,109,379
Fund-raising 12,448,459 12,448,459
Total supporting services 15,557,838 15,557,838
TOTAL EXPENSES 62,232,717 62,232,717
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN NET ASSETS (4,839,675) 4,287,283 (552,392)
NET ASSETS – JANUARY 1 11,264,847 3,557,101 14,821,948
NET ASSETS – DECEMBER 31 $6,425,172 $7,844,384 $14,269,556
28
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES – YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
Program Services Supporting Services
Awareness & Management 2007 Other Services Research Total and General Fund-raising Total Total Expenses
Salaries $2,763,146 $2,887,505 $5,650,651 $902,818 $3,265,349 $4,168,167 $9,818,818Benefits 294,662 348,523 643,185 99,528 388,897 488,425 1,131,610Payroll taxes 205,960 214,565 420,525 65,462 247,101 312,563 733,088Recruiting 101,459 176,802 278,261 8,835 107,964 116,799 395,060Grants and awards 644,213 23,782,743 24,426,956 24,426.956Cost of biomaterial and goods sold 39,164 68,302 107.466 107,466Advertising 1,839,117 6,337 1,845,454 463 15,833 16,296 1,861,750Marketing 575,353 18,064 593,417 3,363 295,402 298,765 892,182Video production/photography 269,702 5,836 275,538 5,822 91,656 97,478 373,016Postage 334,297 171,557 505,854 115,835 502,226 618,061 1,123,915Meals, lodging, travel, and transportation 706,775 1,106,461 1,813,236 167,627 733,887 901,514 2,714,750Printing 1,010,481 105,723 1,116,204 31,937 821,015 852,952 1,969,156Telephone, Internet, and web 66,502 107,306 173,808 84,735 143,010 227,745 401,553Supplies and equipment 345,824 217,095 562,919 196,683 598,896 795,579 1,358,498Professional services 2,025,622 1,528,692 3,554,314 437,600 881,110 1,318,710 4,873,024Conferences, meetings, and sponsorships 625,763 1,040,944 1,666,707 106,353 537,911 644,264 2,310,971Premium/recognition 274,250 12,644 286,894 11,433 323,005 334,438 621,332Catering 192,907 51,430 244,337 6,136 217,604 223,740 468,077Special events – venues/services 216,426 216,426 1,091,372 1,091,372 1,307,798Credit card/bank fees 225,386 19,511 244,897 18,736 769,405 788,141 1,033,038Legal fees 379,587 214,395 593,982 208,234 178,486 386,720 980,702Insurance 3,005 50,433 53,438 26,630 31,649 58,279 111,717Site, audit, licensing and filing fees 123,044 35,138 158,182 41,127 152,960 194,087 352,269Administrative services 109,054 129,825 238,879 76,656 171,884 248,540 487,419Rent 157,762 293,778 451,540 291,699 435,101 726,800 1,178,340Depreciation 71,100 164,435 235,535 162,171 148,844 311,015 546,550Other 225,733 90,541 316,274 39,496 297,892 337,388 653,662TOTAL EXPENSES $13,826,294 $32,848,585 $46,674,879 $3,109,379 $12,448,459 $15,557,838 $62,232,717
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Decrease in net assets $ (552,392) Adjustments to reconcile decrease in net assets to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 546,550 Unrealized loss on marketable investment securities 9,056 Donated securities (12,827) Increase (decrease) in cash flow from: Accounts receivable, net (94,347) Pledges receivable, net (2,550,548) Prepaid expenses 189,887 Other assets (267,712) Grants payable 3,450,093 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 885,968 Deferred revenue 50,000 NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 1,653,728
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Redemptions of investments 1,424,566 Purchases of marketable investment securities (6,446,742) Purchases of equipment and property (677,172) Purchases of computer software (105,439) NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (5,804,787)CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Payments on term loans (119,708) NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (119,708)NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (4,270,767)CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – JANUARY 1 18,044,115CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – DECEMBER 31 $13,773,348
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS – YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
Financials
29
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS1. NATURE OF ORGANIZATION
Autism Speaks, Inc. (AS) is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 2005 that is dedicated to increasing awareness about the growing autism health crisis and raising funds for critical autism research. AS is committed to aggressively funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism; raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society; and bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of the disorder. AS obtains financial support from the public via walks, special events and general contributions.
On February 5, 2007, a merger of AS and Cure Autism Now (CAN) was consummated. The merger was accounted for as a pooling of interest, and as such, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include CAN’s financial results as if CAN had always been a part of AS. Expenses relating to the merger were expensed as incurred.
Canadian operations are incorporated under Canadian law as a separate entity (Autism Speaks Canada), which is controlled by AS. The financial statements of this separate entity have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
All interorganizational transactions have been eliminated.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of AccountingThe consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as applicable to not-for-profit organizations.
Net AssetsThe classification of AS’s net assets and its public support, revenue and expenses is based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Accordingly, net assets and changes therein are classified and reported as follows:
UnrestrictedNet assets that are either not subject to donor-imposed stipulations, or have been reclassified from temporarily restricted net assets because donor restrictions have either expired or been met.
Temporarily RestrictedNet assets that carry donor-imposed restrictions that expire upon the passage of time or upon occurrence of a stated event as specified by the donor. Net assets released from restrictions represent the satisfaction of the restricted purpose.
Functional Allocation of ExpensesThe cost of providing AS’s programs and supporting services has been summarized on an individual basis in the consolidated statement of activities. Accordingly, certain costs have been allocated among the programs and supporting services benefited in ratios determined by management.
Use of EstimatesThe preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash EquivalentsFor financial reporting purposes, AS considers all money market funds and highly liquid investments, with maturities of three months or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents.
Marketable Investment SecuritiesDonated securities are initially recorded at their market value at the date of gift. It is management’s policy to sell donated securities upon receipt. As of December 31, 2007, marketable investment securities included donated marketable equity securities with a market value of $12,827. These securities were received in the last few days of December 2007 and were sold as soon as possible in January 2008. As of December 31, 2007, marketable investment securities also consisted of certificates of deposit of $3,737,686 with a maturity of one year or less, $1,250,000 in municipal auction rate securities and $2,100,000 in auction rate preferred stock.
Pledges ReceivableUnconditional promises to give that are expected to be collected within one year are recorded at estimated net realizable value. Unconditional promises to give that are expected to be collected beyond one year are recorded at the present value of estimated future cash flows. The discounts on those amounts are computed using the risk-free interest rates applicable to the years in which the promises are received. Amortization of the discounts is included in contribution revenue. Conditional promises to give are not included as support until the conditions are met. Payments received on fulfilled conditional promises are recognized as unrestricted net assets. AS uses the allowance method for uncollectible unconditional pledges receivable. The allowance is based on management’s analysis and evaluation of specific promises made. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions.
Accounts ReceivableReceivables are recorded when billed or accrued and represent claims against third parties that will be settled in cash. The carrying value of receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents their estimated net realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical collection trends, type of customer, the age of outstanding receivables and existing economic conditions. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past due receivable balances are written off when internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful. As of December 31, 2007, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been established.
Computer SoftwareComputer software costs have been capitalized and are being amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets of three to five years.
Equipment and PropertyEquipment and property are stated at their costs at the dates of acquisition for purchases of $1,000 or greater. Computer hardware and equipment, and furniture and fixtures are being depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets of three years and five years, respectively. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or the useful life of the improvement, whichever is less. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Computer SoftwareResearch grants and awards are recorded as an expense and liability subsequent to reviews by AS’s Scientific Advisory Board and final approval by the Board of Directors. Grants and awards generally cover a period of one year, subject to renewal for additional years after certain conditions are met.
Defered RevenueAmounts received in support of a special event not yet held are accounted for as deferred revenue, if the gift is refundable, until the special event is held.
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Revenue Recognition Contributions are recorded as revenue upon the receipt of cash,
securities, gift or unconditional pledge. Contributions received are recorded as available for unrestricted use, unless specifically restricted by the donor, in which case they are classified as temporarily restricted. When a donor restriction expires, that is, when a stipulated time restriction ends or purpose restriction is accomplished, temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets and reported in the consolidated statement of activities as net assets released from restrictions.
AS split revenue and expenses with partners on the fund-raising events listed below. Revenue and expenses shown in the consolidated financial statements reflect AS’s share.
Event Partner AS’s Share of Revenue and Expenses
Kickoff for a Cure The Gillen Brewer School 50% of revenue and expenses Chef Gala Nordoff-Robbins Center 66% of revenue, 100% of expenses Atlanta Walk The Marcus Institute 50% of revenue and expenses Phoenix Walk The Southwest Autism SARRC receives first $150,000 of Research & Resource Center revenue, then 50% of revenue and (SARRC) 50% of expenses Colorado Walk Autism Society of Colorado 50% of first $100,000 in net proceeds,
then 90% of additional net proceeds
The Atlanta Walk had net proceeds of $1,152,000, 50% of which were shared with The Marcus Institute, the co-founder of which is an AS Board member. Additionally, AS contributed $10,000 to The Marcus Institute.
Donated Goods and Services Donated goods and services that meet the requirements
for recognition are recorded as revenue and expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of activities. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the value of contributed services meeting the requirements for recognition in the consolidated financial statements was $989,572. These services were directly related to AS’s awareness campaign and family service efforts and as such are included in program services in the statement of functional expenses. Many volunteers have made significant contributions of time to AS’s program and supporting functions. The value of these contributed services does not meet the criteria for recognition and, accordingly, is not recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes AS and CAN are exempt from Federal income taxes under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and from state income taxes under comparable laws. The Canadian entity, exempt from Canadian income taxes, is organized without share capital under the Canadian Corporations Act.
Advertising Advertising expenses have been charged to operations as incurred.
Rent Minimum rents are being recognized on the straight-line method
over the terms of the respective leases.
3. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject AS to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, municipal auction rate securities, auction rate preferred stock, accounts receivable and pledges receivable.AS has cash deposits at financial institutions which exceed the Federal insurance limits; however, management does not believe there is any significant risk of loss on any uninsured amounts. All certificates of deposit are within Federal insurance limits. Additionally, AS places short-term cash in money market funds, which are secured by the underlying assets of the fund, and floating municipal bond securities. The auction rate preferred
stock is collateralized by mutual fund assets. The redemption of municipal bond securities and floating rate preferred stock are dependent on underlying market conditions. AS’s management has assessed the credit risk with money market funds and investments held at December 31, 2007 and has determined that an allowance for the potential loss due to credit risk is not necessary.
Accounts and pledges receivable at December 31, 2007 are due from a variety of individuals, corporations and foundations well-known to AS with favorable past payment histories. AS’s management has assessed the credit risk associated with these receivable balances at December 31, 2007 and has determined that only a modest allowance for potential loss due to credit risk is necessary (See Note 4).
4. PLEDGES RECEIVABLE, NET
As of December 31, 2007, unconditional promises to give consisted of the following:
Gross amount due in: Less than one year $4,273,718
One to four years 1,754,333 6,028,051 Less: allowance for doubtful pledges receivable 15,000 6,013,051 Less: discounts to net present value 230,929 Net unconditional promises to give $5,782,122
The discount rate used on long-term promises to give was 5% in 2007.
As of December 31, 2007, there were also outstanding conditional promises to give of $6,666,667 that are not recognized as assets in the consolidated statement of financial position as the promises are conditional on the donor maintaining membership on the Board of Directors and its executive committee.
5. EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY
As of December 31, 2007, equipment and property consisted of the following:
Computer hardware and equipment $807,027 Furniture and fixtures 683,350 Leasehold improvements 220,403 1,710,780 Less: accumulated depreciation 740,332 $970,448
6. TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
As of December 31, 2007, temporarily restricted net assets consisted of the following:
Time Restricted $5,782,122 Program Restricted 2,062,262 Total Temporarily Restricted Net Assets $7,844,384
Of the $5,782,122 in time restricted net assets, $230,000 is also program restricted.
During 2007, net assets were released from restrictions as follows:
Time Restricted $3,997,487 Program Restricted 2,070,630 Total Temporarily Restricted Net
Assets Released From Restrictions $6,068,117
Financials
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7. GRANTS
Obligations for research grants and awards were $11,227,807 as of December 31, 2007. The grants and awards are generally payable within one year. In addition, research grants and awards of approximately $30,166,000 are subject to discretionary renewal as described in Note 2 (Grants Payable), pending the satisfactory progress of research and the availability of funds. If satisfactory progress is achieved and funds are available, payments, including grants payable at December 31, 2007, are scheduled as follows: $16,591,000 in 2008, $15,553,000 in 2009 and $9,250,000 in 2010.
Two members of the Board of Directors of AS also hold positions at institutions which received funding from AS. At December 31, 2007, AS had grants payable and commitments to these institutions totaling $3,023,833. During the year ended 2007, AS’s expenses included $2,303,177 related to research awards granted these institutions. One Board member received $2,000 for participation in evaluating various research proposals in 2007. Certain members of AS’s Scientific Advisory Board, which makes recommendations as to which research proposals are to be funded, are also associated with institutions that receive funding from AS.
8. OPERATING COMMITMENTS
Leasing Commitments AS entered into a sublease for office space in New York City through
August 30, 2010 for minimum annual rent of $206,700 per annum, plus additional rent for operating expenses. The Chairman of the Board of AS was chairman of the sublessor at the time the lease was consummated. Either party upon six months’ notice may terminate the sublease at any time after July 1, 2007. AS obtained an independent appraisal validating that the minimum annual rent was at market value. AS also leases office space in various cities across the United States requiring minimum annual rents plus additional rent for operating expenses.
In addition, AS has equipment and automobile leases, and service agreements expiring through June 2013.
As of December 31, 2007, future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
Years ending December 31, 2008 $1,262,005 2009 1,177,908 2010 970,268 2011 592,256 2012 242,907 2013 20,330 $4,265,674
For the year ending December 31, 2007, rent expense was $1,178,340.
Employment Agreements AS entered into employment agreements with two officers, both
for a term of five years, which expire June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
Under the terms of the first officer’s agreement, the officer will receive a base salary of $300,000 per annum or at such greater rate as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The officer is also eligible for an annual bonus up to $50,000 to be determined by the Board. The officer will also receive customary health, life and disability insurance. The officer is entitled to one year severance if the agreement is terminated without cause by AS or with good reason by the officer.
Under the terms of the second officer’s agreement, the officer will receive a base salary of $375,000 in the first year and, for each
succeeding year, an amount equal to the preceding year’s salary increased by the same cost-of-living index as is used by AS in increasing the compensation of its employees. The officer is also eligible for an annual bonus up to $50,000 to be determined by the Board. The officer will also receive customary health, life and disability insurance. If the agreement is terminated without cause by AS or with good reason by the officer, the officer is entitled to the lesser of eighteen months severance, or the amount of salary due over the remaining term of the agreement.
Clinical Trials Network As a sponsor of the Clinical Trials Network (CTN), AS has been
engaged by a pharmaceutical company to coordinate a sponsored study with various research institutions. The term of the contract is until the study is complete. AS is reimbursed for certain expenditures incurred, and receives a quarterly service fee of $21,458. Included in cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable at December 31, 2007 is $72,189 of cash advances received from the pharmaceutical company.
9. ALLOCATION OF JOINT COSTS
AS incurred joint costs of $12,686,814 to expand autism awareness, to inform the public of the autism health crisis and other activities that included fund-raising appeals. Of those costs, $7,481,603 was allocated to fund-raising expenses and $5,205,211 was allocated to program expenses.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
During the year ended December 31, 2007, AS had the following related party transactions:
(a) AS paid The Advertising Council $1,046,129 for services related to AS’s awareness campaign. A Board member of AS is also on The Advertising Council’s Board.
(b) AS paid an outside lobbying firm, in which a Board member serves as a partner, $282,079 for services rendered.
(c) In the form of a grant or sponsorship, AS paid a total of $46,785 to three separate autism-related organizations, which provided services to relatives of Board members.
11. AFFILIATES
To expand AS’s presence internationally, AS has an affiliate relationship with Autism Speaks U.K., a not-for-profit entity under the United Kingdom’s Charity Commission. In 2007, AS provided funding of $55,677 to Autism Speaks U.K.
12. RETIREMENT PLAN
AS implemented its “Autism Speaks 401(k) Plan” effective January 1, 2007. Under the AS 401(k) Plan, AS will make annual contributions ranging from 3% to 8% of an employee’s salary to individual employee accounts for eligible employees. Eligibility and the percentage contribution are based on years of service. Additionally, employee contributions to the Plan are matched up to 1% of salary. Employer contributions for 2007 were $207,000.
13. MERGER OF AS AND CURE AUTISM NOW (CAN)
As part of the merger AS agreed to fund CAN’s existing obligations and committed to fund certain research projects and other programs over the 2007-2011 period totaling $37 million. As of December 31, 2007, $25 million of the $37 million remains to be funded.
Also, in conjunction with the merger, AS entered into employment agreements with three of CAN’s senior executives. Under the terms of the agreements, the three employees will receive annual salaries totaling $488,000 for 2007 and 2008, and 2009 if asked to relocate. The employees will also receive customary health, life and disability benefits and be eligible for an annual bonus, the amount at the discretion of AS. Each employee will be entitled to one year severance if their agreement is terminated without cause by AS.
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2007 Board of DirectorsBob Wright** – Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder, Autism Speaks; Vice Chairman & Executive Officer, General Electric CompanySuzanne Wright** – Vice Chair of the Board and Co-Founder, Autism SpeaksPeter Bell* – Executive Vice President, Programs and Services, Autism SpeaksSallie BernardAndrew J. Conrad, Ph.D. – Chief Scientific Officer, National Genetics InstituteEmanuel DiCicco-Bloom, MD – Professor Neuroscience & Cell Biology/Pediatrics (Neurology), UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPhilip H. Geier, Jr.** – Chairman, The Geier Group, Ltd.Ann Gibbons – Information Technology ConsultantGary Goldstein – President, Kennedy Krieger InstituteTom Hetzel* – CFO, Autism SpeaksAdrian Jones – Managing Director, Goldman, Sachs & CoMel Karmazin** – Chief Executive Officer, Sirius Satellite RadioBrian Kelly** – Principal, Eastern DevelopmentMark LaNeve – GM North America Vice President, Vehicle Sales, Service and MarketingEric London, MD** – Psychiatrist Bernie Marcus** – Chairman, The Marcus FoundationGary S. Mayerson – Founding Attorney, Mayerson & AssociatesKevin Murray** – Chief Operating Officer, Rock Ridge AdvisorsAndrew Robertson – President & Chief Executive Officer, BBDO WorldwideMark Roithmayr* – President, Autism SpeaksDan Schulman – Chief Executive Officer, Virgin MobileJon Shestack** – Jon Shestack ProductionsAlison Singer* – Executive Vice President, Awareness and Communications, Autism SpeaksLaura Slatkin – President, Candela Group, Founder & President of the BoardCraig Snyder – Managing Partner, IKON Public AffairsLilly Tartikoff – PhilanthropistGlenn Tringali* – Executive Vice President, Fundraising and Operations, Autism SpeaksJohn Wilson – President, Hyannis Port Capital, Inc.; Managing Member, Hyannis Port Capital, LLC
*Staff Officers
**Executive Committee
2007 Leadership Mark Roithmayr – President Peter Bell – Executive V.P. - Programs and Services Alison Tepper Singer – Executive V.P. - Communications and Awareness Glenn R. Tringali – Executive V.P. - Fundraising and Operations Tom Hetzel – CFO/Controller Sophia Colamarino – Vice President of ResearchElizabeth Emken – Vice President of Government RelationsClara Lajonchere – Vice President of Clinical ProgramsAndy Shih – Vice President of Scientific AffairsJennifer Waltzer – Chief Administrative OfficerJennifer Bizub – National Director of Human ResourcesRichard Brown – National Director of Leadership GivingLisa Gallipoli – National Director of Field Operations Susan Gloor – National Walk Director Sam Levitt – National Director of Community EventsTracey MacDonald – National Director of Community DevelopmentDana Marnane – National Director of Communications and Marketing Bill Shea – National Director of Creative ServicesKevin Berk – Director of Interactive ServicesBen Engel – Director of Data ServicesLisa Goring – Director of Family ServicesShelly Hendrix – Director of State Advocacy RelationsDan Merriman – Director of IT
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www.AutismSpeaks.org2 Park Avenue | 11th Floor | New York, NY 10016 | Phone: 212 252 8584
© 2008 Autism Speaks, Inc., Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks It’s Time To Listen and Design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks, Inc. All rights reserved.
Main Offices
New York 2 Park Avenue, 4th and 11th FloorsNew York, NY 10016Phone: 212-252-8584Fax: 212-252-8676
Princeton1060 State Road, 2nd FloorPrinceton, NJ 08540Phone: 609-228-7310Toll Free: 888-777-6227Fax #1: 609-430-9163Fax #2: 609-430-9505
Port Chester 181 Westchester AvenuePort Chester, NY 10573Phone: 914-935-1462Fax: 914-935-1466
Los Angeles5455 Wilshire BoulevardSuite 2250Los Angeles, CA 90036Phone: 323-549-0500Fax: 323-549-0547
International Affiliates
Autism Speaks in the UKNorth Lea House66 Northfield EndHenley-on-ThamesUnited Kingdom RG9 2BEPhone: 44(0)1491-412311Fax: 44(0)1491-571921
Canada1243 Islington AvenueSuite 801Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9Phone: 416-362-6227Toll free: 888-362-6277Fax: 416-362-6228
Field Offices
Carolinas4530 Park RoadSuite 320Charlotte, NC 28209Phone: 704-561-0003Fax: 704-561-0010
Chicago Regency Office Plaza2700 S. River Road, Suite 203 Des Plaines, IL 60018Phone: 224-567-8573Fax: 312-832-1990
Georgia Regional3301 Buckeye RoadSuite 102Atlanta, GA 30341Phone: 770-451-0570Fax: 770-451-0580
Greater Delaware Valley 496 N. Kings HighwaySuite 123Cherry Hill, NJ 08034Phone: 856-755-0330Fax: 856-755-9056
Long Island380 Oakwood Road Huntington Station, NY 11746Phone: 631-521-7853Fax: 631-424-3404
Los Angeles Chapter5455 Wilshire BoulevardSuite 2250Los Angeles, CA 90036Phone: 323-549-0500Fax: 323-549-0547
Nantucket Autism SpeaksResource Centerc/o Nantucket High School10 Surfside RoadNantucket, MA 02554Phone: 646-341-3043
New England Chapter 85 School StreetSuite 100 Watertown, MA 02472Phone: 617-924-3300Fax: 617-924-3311
New York/N. New Jersey2 Park Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10016Phone: 917-475-5068Fax: 212-252-8676
Orlando557 N. Wymore RoadSuite 101 Maitland, FL 32751Phone: 407-478-6330Fax: 407-478-6336
Phoenix1930 S. Alma School RoadSuite B-202Mesa, AZ 85210Phone: 480-293-4373Fax: 480-491-0091
Pittsburgh 8035 McKnight RoadSuite 301Pittsburgh, PA 15237Phone: 412-367-4571Fax: 412-367-4574
Seattle 159 Western Avenue WSuite 484 Seattle, WA 98119Phone: 206-464-5182Fax: 206-622-2970
South Florida Regional1166 West Newport Center Drive Suite 314Deerfield Beach, FL 33442Phone: 800-610-6227Fax: 954-421-1054
St. Louis9378 Olive BoulevardSuite 206 Olivette, MO 63132Phone: 314-989-1003Fax: 314-989-1022
Tampa1111 N. Westshore BoulevardSuite 214Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: 813-282-9474Fax: 813-282-1061
Texas Regional 6380 LBJ FreewaySuite 285Dallas, TX 75240Phone: 972-960-6227 Fax: 972-960-6228
Washington, DC(Opening Mid-Summer 2008) 1990 K Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20006
Westchester/Fairfield 168 Irving Avenue#500-FPort Chester, NY 10573Phone: 914-934-5138 Fax: 914-934-7867