A mother’s decision to make sure families were not alone.

Honoring Founder's Day 2026

Dear Friends,  Today is Autism Society Founder’s Day, and we’re remembering Ruth C. Sullivan. In 1963, Ruth’s son Joseph was diagnosed with Autism. Most families had never heard the word. Joseph’s doctors called it a “rare and strange disability” and told Ruth there was nothing she or Joseph could do. Ruth didn’t accept that. She started finding other parents who had been told the same thing, and together they began pushing for schools and services that would include their children.  In 1965, Ruth, Dr. Bernard Rimland and others founded the Autism Society of America so families wouldn’t have to figure it out alone. Ruth’s advocacy later helped lead to the law now known as IDEA, which guarantees students with disabilities a public education. More than 60 years later, that work continues. Last year alone, more than 12,000 families reached out to the Autism Society for help with what comes next. As GivingTuesday approaches on December 1, we’ll be sharing more about how Ruth’s work carries on today. With gratitude, Your friends at the Autism Society of America Visit Website Donate Shop Get Support Follow Us Help Line 800.328.8476

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