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.

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.

Student Initiatives of Autism Speaks are a place for students of all ages to come together, regardless of their connection to autism.  Our goal is to create a community that is educated about autism and empower students to pave the way for acceptance and understanding.

We have many ways for you to get involved.
From starting a school-wide awareness and fundraising group, to acting as an autism ambassador to your school we have something to fit your schedule and interests.  Check out the pages in this section for more information on our exciting opportunities.

Getting involved is important.  You don't have to take our word for it!

"Autism is one of those generational defining issues that demands our immediate attention.
Although I have no direct connection with autism, I believe that we need to stand together for those causes about which we feel most strongly.  These clubs are unique because they are student founded and student initiated. "

Matthew Cortland, age 19
Student Club Co-founder

"The unfortunate reality is that the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders is on the rise. For families impacted by autism these school based clubs bring awareness and acceptance of autism  thus  creating a more welcoming environment within the schools. It is really about building a better community."

Peter Faustino
School Psychologist
Fox Lane Middle School
SCAS Club Advisor