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Mission and Vision

Mission

Service providers and policy makers are struggling to answer important questions with reliable information they can act on. 

  • How can our agency help the growing numbers of adults on the autism spectrum?
  • Which programs work best for whom?
  • Given our limited funds, what programs provide the greatest benefits to adults on the autism spectrum?
Hundreds of thousands of families affected by autism are struggling with these pressing questions.

  • What will happen when my son finishes high school?
  • How can I help him have a good life as an adult?
  • What will happen to him when I’m gone?
We need better information to understand what the future holds, and to help make smarter decisions.

The Life Course Outcomes Research Program is using outcomes-based research to answer these questions, and improve the quality of life for all people on the autism spectrum, as well as their families.

Vision

We envision a future in which people on the autism spectrum are valued as contributing members of our communities, with roles to play and dreams to pursue. We’re building a base of knowledge about topics, other than clinical interventions, that promote positive outcomes for people on the autism spectrum, their families and communities. Specifically, we are pursuing four key initiatives:

  • Community and National Indicators
  • Emerging Practices
  • Research Leadership
  • Long-Term Outcomes Studies

There is currently a huge gap in the field of autism research when it comes to evaluating and learning from efforts to improve quality of life. Our unique approach seeks to fill this void by measuring current efforts and their outcomes, providing much needed insight. If you’d like to learn more, please read about the topics we’re exploring or check out our research.