The mission of the Autism Society Northern Virginia is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. Our Mission The mission of the Autism Society Northern Virginia is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. The mission of the Autism Society Northern Virginia is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

ASNV is one of more than 90 chapters of the Autism Society, which has been a leading source for trusted and reliable information about autism since 1965. We are one of the first chapters, formed in 1969. Our chapter is directed by a volunteer executive committee and board made up of self-advocates, parents, educators, therapists, business owners and military service members. About the Autism Society of Northern Virginia Our Mission The Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) builds community for over 5,000 individuals and families affected by autism through education, advocacy, and support. As a chapter of the Autism Society of America, we support, empower, and build connections to improve the lives of all affected by autism. Our Vision An inclusive community where high-quality autism services and support are accessible to all. We work towards a day when no one will have to walk this journey alone. About Our Organization ASNV is one of more than 90 chapters of the Autism Society, which has been a leading source for trusted and reliable information about autism since 1965. We are one of the first chapters, formed in 1969. Our chapter is directed by a volunteer executive committee and board made up of self-advocates, parents, educators, therapists, business owners and military service members. ASNV shares office space in Oakton, Virginia with Service Source and maintains close working relationships with other area disability groups such as the Arc of Northern Virginia, Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia, ENDdependence, Virginia Autism Project and numerous other disability affliates. Our territory includes the counties of Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park. Subscribe to our email list Stay informed of ASNV news, events, and programs by subscribing to our email list below! ASNV sends out newsletters on a monthly basis, and occasionally sends other important monthly updates. Subscribers should only receive an average of 2 emails per month. Subscribing to the ASNV email list guarantees that you will be the first to hear about and sign up for our upcoming ASNV programs and events! Email Address Subscribe to our email list SUBSCRIBE

About Us Finding Inspiration in Every Turn This is your About Page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your website has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. Our Story Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what your team does, and what your site has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers, and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery, or video for even more engagement. Meet The Team Don Francis Founder & CEO Ashley Jones Tech Lead Tess Brown Office Manager Lisa Rose Product Manager Kevin Nye HR Lead Alex Young Customer Support Lead Our Clients

Our Self-Advocacy Council In January 2026, the ASNV Board decided to begin our first Self-Advocate Advisory Council. This group of self-advocates advises and supports the ASNV team in the development, implementation, and evaluation of our programs, services, and supports, to ensure we are appropriately including, incorporating, and amplifying autistic voices in the work we do. Our Council Members represent a broad range of ages, cultures, and autistic experiences. This year, the Council aims to contribute to current organizational priorities, identify other potential focus areas, and build its membership. If you would like to find out how to get involved, please reach out to director@asnv.org . Look for more information coming soon on our new ASNV Self-Advocacy Council!

What is Autism? "...a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Autism A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome." (CDC) Autism is a developmental disability that affects how they experience the world around us. Autistic people are an important part of the world. Autism is a normal part of life and makes them who they are. Autism has always existed. Autistic people are born autistic and will be autistic their whole lives. Autism can be diagnosed by a doctor, but you can be autistic even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis. Anyone can be autistic regardless of race, gender, or age. There is no one way to be autistic. Some autistic people can speak, and some autistic people need to communicate in other ways. Some autistic people also have intellectual disabilities, and some autistic people don’t. Some autistic people need a lot of help in their day-to-day lives, and some autistic people only need a little help. All these people are autistic because there is no right or wrong way to be autistic. Everyone experiences autism differently but contribute to the world in meaningful ways. We all deserve understanding and acceptance. (Autistic Self Advocacy Network) People with autism can live a fulfilling life. Autistic people are making a difference. There are autistic people in almost every field. Autistic people want to be heard no matter how they communicate. Autistic people deserve respect. They deserve accommodations, a safe environment and supports that meet the individuals needs. ASNV advocates for better services and supports. We work to help ensure that autistic individuals and their families have what they need to live their best lives. Click here to learn more about autism from the CDC website. Subscribe to our email list Stay informed of ASNV news, events, and programs by subscribing to our email list below! ASNV sends out newsletters on a monthly basis, and occasionally sends other important monthly updates. Subscribers should only receive an average of 2 emails per month. Subscribing to the ASNV email list guarantees that you will be the first to hear about and sign up for our upcoming ASNV programs and events! Email Address Subscribe to our email list SUBSCRIBE