The Finnish Association
for Autism and Asperger´s Syndrome

The Finnish Association for Autism and Asperger´s Syndrome was founded in 1997. The Association serves individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) or Rett syndrome, and  their families.

The Association has 27 local member organizations, with about 3400 members in total. This includes individuals with ASDs and family members, as well as professionals in the field of autism. All of these groups are represented in our decision-making, on the national and local association boards.

Our goal at the Finnish Association for Autism and Asperger`s Syndrome is to change society in such ways that a good quality of life becomes attainable for all people on the autism spectrum.

The objective of the Association

The Finnish Association for Autism and Asperger´s Syndrome is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation. We work to create the best possible conditions for children, adolescents and adults with ASDs, in the following ways:

• Distribution of information through seminars, training events, printed material and other such means, to increase knowledge and understanding of the difficulties caused by ASDs
• Developing the quality and improving the availability of services that support education, housing and everyday life
• Creating opportunities for exchange of experience and knowledge between individuals with ASDs, parents and professionals
• International collaboration to access and distribute research-based information, and to contribute ideas to research within the field

Main Services provided by the Association

Information

• AUTISMI magazine 4-5 times a year, received by all members
• Monthly newsletter to member organizations
• PR and information to main target groups, political decision makers, professional and general media

Projects

• Developing services and interventions
• Spreading good practice
• Creating networks for professional collaboration
• Conducting research

Service advisor

• Daily guidance by service advisor during office hours, by phone or personally at the central office.
• Guidance concerning diagnosis, support, interventions and services
• Basic information about autism spectrum disorders

Library

• About 400 books and 90 videos
• Available to members and the general public, free of charge

Educational activities

• Several educational seminars per year organised by the Association
• Providing information on ASD related training and education by other organisers

 Support and interventions

• The Association participates in planning, developing and organizing activities centered  around support and intervention measures

The Association also

• Issues statements to the media and to national and local decision makers
• Influences legislation, and decision makers at national and local levels
• Creates connections between researchers
• Collects new ASD related information from international sources and distributes it in Finland

Supported by RAY.  

The Finnish Association for Autism and Asperger´s Syndrome is supported by funding from RAY, Finland’s Slot Machine Association.