20 children in the UK are born with autism every day. If we do nothing, children born with autism will continue to be misunderstood, left alone to cope and, in many cases, to live a shorter and more difficult life than the rest of us.

Autistica believes every child born with autism deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. 1% of the UK population has autism. While the condition affects each person uniquely, for too many autism is a lifelong struggle. People with autism have social and communication difficulties, and a range of repetitive interests and behaviours. Alongside their core difficulties, most people with autism have additional problems, including learning difficulties, epilepsy, and depression. In addition, many people with autism will die before their 40^th birthday.

 Autistica is the leading autism medical research charity in the UK. Our vision is to ensure everyone with autism can live a long, happy and healthy life. We were founded in 2004 by Dame Stephanie Shirley (whose late son Giles had severe autism and epilepsy).  Autistica is unique because our entire research strategy is defined by the people we help - individuals and families living with autism. Our research focuses on Early Diagnosis, Early Intervention; Mental Health in Autism and Ageing with Autism - the three areas that the autism community told us would make the biggest difference to their lives.

Autistica’s aim is to move autism medical research “from bench to bedside”, allowing today’s science to become tomorrow’s life saving and life changing services.