In response to state funding cuts and economic shortfalls, a group of concerned parents and providers joined forces, in the Fall of 2002, to help aid local agencies that serve individuals living with autism spectrum disorders. This collaboration resulted in the formation of the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City, an adhoc group formed to raise funds for non-profit agencies in the area.  The Alliance is supported by area non-profit organizations.

Vision...

The Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City is a bi-state community organization comprised of dedicated individuals committed to the development of a network of resources targeted toward fostering an informed community that facilitates the independence, acceptance, and emotional well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorders throughout their entire life span. The Alliance will strive to be a collective voice for the Kansas City autism community by implementing programs and events which will aid families while increasing public awareness and acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This united group believes that information is the most powerful tool for living with autism spectrum disorders.

Mission...

The Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City is a bi-state community organization comprised of dedicated individuals committed to the development of a network of resources targeted toward fostering an informed community that facilitates the independence, acceptance, and emotional well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorders throughout their entire life span.   The Alliance will strive to be a collective voice for the Kansas City autism community by implementing programs and events which will aid families while increasing public awareness and acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.  This united group believes that information is the most powerful tool for living with autism spectrum disorders.

About Autism

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.

Prevalence of Autism

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability and the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2007). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise.  Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.

Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child.  Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.

Who Benefits

Funds raised enables the Autism Alliance to be consistent with our mission to broaden public knowledge and awareness of the behaviors, social issues and emotional needs of individuals on the spectrum and to provide monies to local programs that serve these individuals and their families.  Besides granting funds to local organizations, the Alliance has workshops for parents and educators, has started a new lunch series for parents of newly diagnosed children and/or those parents who recently moved to the area and is close to finalizing a bi-state resource directory which will be provided to all parents and agencies free of charge.  This directory will be available online at KcAutismServices.com.