Welcome to Student Initiatives of Autism Speaks!
Student Initiatives of Autism Speaks are open to students of any age who want to join together to make a difference in the global health crisis of autism, regardless of their personal connection. Our goal is to create a community that is educated about autism by empowering students to pave the way for acceptance and understanding.

By getting involved in a Student Initiative, you will be taking an active role in your community. Through various activities and peer mentoring, your school and community will be a better place for those affected by autism.

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Summer is almost here!
What can you do to help during the summer months?

Get Involved:

• Visit our Family Services Resource Database to find summer activities for kids with autism - you can help at a daycamp or spread the word about these great activities.
• Remember, the friends you made during the school year are still your friends all summer!
• Click here for awareness activities

Fundraising Activities:

• Get involved in a Walk Now for Autism in your area! 
• Hold an event - Summer is a great time to hold that car wash or start a lemonade stand!
• For more ideas click here!

Featured Story -
Rachel Haas named Florida's Top Youth Volunteer
From an article in the Orlando Sentinel (view the full article here)
Meanwhile, Rachel Haas, a seventh-grader at Kissimmee Charter Academy, volunteers at a sports camp for children with intellectual disabilities, started a student club focused on autism, organized a walking team to raise money and awareness for autism, and serves as a bowling partner of a Special Olympics athlete. Rachel’s volunteer work was inspired by two cousins who have autism, and by an aunt who works with special-needs children. “I have decided to make it my mission to help find a cure for autism, or in the very least, to better the lives of affected children,” said Rachel.

She started out by spending her summer volunteering at Special Olympics Camp Shriver, and then realized that she could do more. At the camp, Rachel met a young bowler and decided to continue working with him through the Special Olympics unified sports program. In addition, Rachel chartered a chapter of Autism Speaks at her school, and formed a team that has raised $700 to date for the Walk for Autism. Despite being diagnosed recently with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Rachel plans to continue her mission. “Because of JRA, I have a better understanding and sensitivity to people with disabilities,” she said.

“Shardy and Rachel are inspiring examples of young Americans who care deeply about the needs of others and who have taken the initiative to help meet those needs,” said John R. Strangfeld, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “By honoring them, we hope not only to give them the recognition they so richly deserve, but also to inspire others to follow their example.”

Our History:
The Student Initiatives we have available today are due to the drive, innovation, and passion of Matt Harris, Matthew Cortland, and Tina Liu. In 2005, two student clubs (Students Together for Autism Research: S.T.A.R. and the Autism Speaks Club) formed with similar goals - to educate their respective communities by raising awareness about autism and funds for autism research. Read more about the exciting history of Student Clubs here.

Our Mission
Student Initiatives helps further the mission of Autism Speaks by creating the opportunity for students to engage and actively participate in positively affecting the lives of people with autism. Through education, awareness, friendship, and fundraising, Student Initiatives include students of all ages.

We Need Your Help!
We're looking for photos of student activities for our website. We need photos of Student Clubs, Buddies, Youth Leaders, and College Initiatives in action! Please send your photos to studentclubs@autismspeaks.org!