Autism in America
AAN's 2025 Public Policy Publication for Autism in America.
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Autism in America is now available to read or download.
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Parents First. Local Support. Real Advocacy.
Autism Advocacy Network exists to give families in Decatur immediate, practical support.
Get Help / Get InvolvedYou are not alone!
Feeling overwhelmed by IEP meetings?
You don't have to go alone. Get free, one-on-one support from another parent who understands.
Connect With a Parent MentorWe’re local parents and advocates—not a national call center.
When you reach out, you reach real people right here in Decatur.
Email Us DirectlyOur Mission
Families don’t need more bureaucracy. They need people who show up. AAN fills the gap with parent first advocacy and local solutions.
What We Do
Advocacy in Schools
Standing with families during IEP meetings and key educational decisions to ensure needs are met.
Parent Support Groups
Local meetups where parents connect, share, and stay present for their families.
Direct Help Coming Soon
Micro grants and in kind support for therapies, essentials, or urgent needs within 30 days. Examples include gas cards for appointments, bed tents or sensory tools, and short motel stays for medical trips.
Why It Matters
Decatur currently has no dedicated autism advocacy organization focused on direct, local family support. Professionals in the field call this work “definitely much needed.” Families deserve that support now.
Need Help Writing an IEP Letter?
Our easy-to-use Letter Generator helps you create professional, effective letters for common IEP situations, like requesting meetings or evaluations. Empower your advocacy with the right words.
Try the Letter GeneratorIn the United States, 1 in
0
children is diagnosed with autism.
(Source: CDC, 2023)
FAQ
Who can request a micro grant?
Families of children with autism in the Decatur area. We verify need with a simple check (IEP or provider note) and do not store sensitive documents.
How fast is the process?
Most requests under $250 are reviewed within 48–72 hours. We prioritize urgent, practical needs.
What kinds of things can AAN help with?
Gas cards for therapy visits, short motel stays for medical trips, sensory tools like bed tents, and other autism related essentials.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth
People with autism don't feel emotions.
Fact
Autistic individuals feel a full range of emotions but may express them differently.
Myth
Autism is caused by bad parenting.
Fact
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with genetic and environmental factors. It has nothing to do with parenting style.
Myth
All autistic people have a special savant skill.
Fact
Some autistic people have exceptional abilities, but that is a small percentage, just like the general population.
Get Involved
Families
Need help or want to connect with other parents? We are here for you.
Parents Helping Parents
Your experience can change a family’s path. Help another parent navigate the IEP process.
Businesses
Become a Community Supporter. We will feature your logo on our site.
Professionals
Therapists, educators, and advocates—join our advisory network.
Share Your Story
Your journey holds power. Help build a stronger community by sharing your experience.
Donors Coming Soon
Your contribution will directly fund "parents first" advocacy and support.
Our Community Supporters
Add your logo as a Community Supporter →
The appearance of logos or links from other organizations on this website reflects appreciation for their support...
Acknowledgements
The Autism Advocacy Network acknowledges the institutions, mentors, and experiences that have shaped its mission and leadership...
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Downloads
“Knowledge isn’t mine to sell; it’s ours to use.”
AAN Strength Based Regulation and Support Plan
A proposal by the Autism Advocacy Network...
Download GuideApplied Moral Systems Theory
This is AAN's philosophy on systems and how to influence them.
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