ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

ASA Situational Analysis Molly Moore

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS 1. Background/Industry:

The Autism Society of Alabama is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to improve services for individuals with autism through education and advocacy. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) founded the privately held organization in 1992 (ASA, In the News, n.d.). ASA is funded through donations, fundraisers, governmental grants and collaboration with other agencies/associations (ASA, About Us, n.d.). Volunteers are fundamental to its function. The economic recession in the late 2000s considerably affected the social service industry, of which ASA is a part. Due to a high unemployment rate, particularly in late 2009, many state and federal governments decreased their social service outreach. Philanthropic donations for social service groups, such as ASA, declined as the economy did ("Social Services, 2011). Despite the harsh economic conditions of the late 2000s and following years, ASA continued to fundraise. Through events such as its annual Gridiron Gala, as well new advocacy and fundraising campaigns, ASA has been able to collect funds and further its mission to serve individuals and families affected by ASD. After 16 years, the Gridiron Gala has become one of ASAs most well-known events (Vulcan to Light Up, 2009). Formally known as the FROG Affair, the Gridiron Gala raises funds through corporate and individual sponsorship and a live auction at the event. This years Gridiron Gala will take place at Birminghams Regions Park on Oct. 10 (ASA, Events, 2013). In 2012, ASA conquered a major milestone when it rallied enough statewide signatures to implement an autism-themed license plate (State Approves, 2012). Melanie Jones, ASA

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS executive director, said the license plates have already raised $15,000 and are contributing to its autism awareness mission (M. Jones, personal communication, Sept. 3, 2013). ASA announced a new campaign in July that, it hopes, will ultimately save lives. Security for Autistic Families (SAFE) intends to prevent individuals with autism from

wandering. SAFE plans to boost Project Lifesavers mission, an international mission devoted to providing protection for people with cognitive conditions, by offering tracking devices to Alabama families affected by autism (Project Lifesaver International, n.d.). The Alabama Council for Disabilities gave ASA $25,000 for the development of SAFE (M. Jones, personal communication, Sept. 3, 2013). ASA is directed by its board of directors and has only two full-time employees. In 1997, ASA members participated in a strategic planning process that helped the organization distinguish its future goals. According to its website, ASAs ability to reach its future goals are contingent on fundraising efforts to secure funds, promote awareness and serve as a powerful advocacy organization focused on changing the quality of life for individuals with Autism Disorders and their families (ASA, About Us, n.d.).

2. Timeline: 1992- Parents of children with autism founded ASA (ASA, In the News, n.d.). 1995- First meeting held (ASA, In the News, n.d.). 1997- ASA members participate in a strategic planning process (ASA, About Us, n.d.). 1997- ASA hosted its first annual gala event; the event is now known as the Gridiron Gala (Vulcan to Light Up, 2009). 2000- ASA headquarters moved to Helena (Malcolm, 2000). 2003- ASA received 501(c)(3) from IRS (ASA, In the News, n.d.).

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2008- University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) study results show a need for autism awareness action (Roy, 2008). 2008- ASA revised its strategic plan (ASA, About Us, n.d.). 2009- High unemployment rate affects social service groups ("Social Services, 2011). 2012- Alabama approved its first autism-themed license plate (State Approves, 2012). 2013- ASA announces the launch of its new SAFE campaign (Collins, 2013).

3. Organizational Culture: ASAs mission is to serve people with ASD and their families through education and advocacy. According to ASAs website, the organization helps approximately 600 individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their parents, and their service providers each month (ASA, About Us, n.d.). ASAs principle beliefs, as stated on its website, are as follows: - Every individual has inherent worth and dignity - Inclusion in the community is preferred over exclusion - Options and opportunities should be available for every person - Services should focus on the family and the individuals - Accessible, individualized, comprehensive services should be available - Services should strive to be a model of excellence and incorporate validated innovations - Consumers should expect and receive effective advocacy and leadership - Consumers deserve to receive current information on diverse therapeutic options (ASA, About Us, n.d.) Though competition for grants, media coverage and donations exists among ASA and other nonprofit organizations, ASAs executive director says that at the end of the day, the

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS organization wants to be a friend to other nonprofit groups. We like to go to other organizations events and for them to come to ours, Melanie Jones said (M. Jones, personal communication, Sept. 3, 2013).

4. Communication: ASA concentrates on several communication strategies in order to bring awareness to its organization. Establishing successful communication initiatives is vital to the organizations success. ASA delivers information to the public through print and online media such as news releases, articles, social media and its website. The organizations easy-to-use website allows visitors to learn more about the organization and how to become a member and provides event dates. The website includes an estore where visitors can purchase items such as pins, key chains, magnets, shirts and more (ASA, Home, n.d.). Visitors can also subscribe to an online newsletter, which will keep the public up to date with the latest ASA news and events (ASA, About Us, n.d.). The online newsletter is free of cost and is a great tool for people to learn more about ASA. ASAs website also includes a link to its Facebook and Twitter accounts, making it an easy transition to its social media activity (ASA, About Us, n.d.). Because social media is a prevalent news source for many people, ASA has developed Twitter and Facebook accounts that keep the public updated on its day-to-day functions. ASA has 1,809 Twitter followers and 4,049 Facebook likes. These numbers are continually growing, which strengthens its mission to improve services through education and advocacy. While Twitter allows followers to stay engaged with the most up-to-date issues and trends through a 140-character tweet, Facebook allows the public to be more interactive. People can see ASAs

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS mission being lived out by taking a quick glance at its Facebook likes, comments, posts and shares. Facebook also provides an additional way for people to find out about and become involved with its events. One example of this would be ASA posting a calendar event for the

social event Cash for the Cure, which allows individuals on Facebook to join the group and see others who have also joined (Autism Society of Alabama, 2013, Facebook). This type of online engagement allows the public to better understand ASAs lasting affect on autism awareness. Many forms of media are used to promote ASA events. One way ASA has spread the word about its upcoming Gridiron Gala is through Birmingham365.org. The website lists information about the event, as well as a link to purchase tickets (Gridiron Gala, 2013). This allows the public to have a quick and easy chance to learn about the event and buy the tickets on the same webpage.

5. Key Publics: Internal The Autism Society of Alabamas board of directors is a key internal public. ASA has an executive director and is governed by its board of directors (ASA, About Us, n.d.). The boards of directors act as the main internal public because all policies and services must go through the board in order to be implemented (ASA, About Us, n.d.). With only two full-time employees, each employee is instrumental in carrying out ASAs operations (M. Jones, personal communication, Sept. 3, 2013). Because of ASAs small staff, volunteers are extremely important to the organization. While staff members must plan events, volunteers are necessary for event execution. As ASA grows, hiring additional staff could bring new ideas to the organization and could allow for tasks to be delegated among more employees.

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS ASAs junior board is made up by a group of young professionals who come together

in order to bring awareness to the organization (ASA, About Us, n.d.). The junior board strives to better ASA through community action, volunteer service and social fundraising (ASA, About Us, n.d.). The junior board is particularly useful in spotlighting a young demographic. The junior boards signature fundraising event is the annual Funky Fish Fry (ASA, About Us, n.d.). The Funky Fish Fry usually attracts more of a younger crowd than other events (2013 Funky Fish Fry, 2013). The event is held at Avondale Brewing Company and includes fried catfish and live music. The junior board also puts on an event called Tapped: A Food & Beer Pairing. which also brings awareness to a younger generation and raises funds (Woolfold, 2011). External Donors are ASAs most important key public. Donors provide necessary funds that allow ASA to carry out its everyday functions. ASAs website makes donating easy. There is a section of its website that allows people to make online donations. There is also a section where the donor can choose to put in honor of or in memory of a person of their choosing (ASA, About Us, n.d.). Donors can be individuals who have an interest in ASA, major businesses or local businesses. Businesses that partner with ASA are another major external public. According to the October 2011 ASA newsletter, the sponsors for the 14th annual Frog Affair included Budweiser, CBS 42, Changes in Latitude, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Dales Seasoning, Honda, AT&T, the Jolene Roxbury, and Sobieski Vodka (ASA, About Us, n.d.). This listing shows the range of support from varying businesses.

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Grants are vital when it comes to the help of supporters who allow ASA to continue. For example, BBVA Compass Community CyberGrants rewarded ASA funding in order for it to expand the Mobile office and staff (ASA, About Us, n.d.). This additional funding allowed ASA to hire Angel Loewen as an information and referral coordinator for the Mobile office (ASA, About Us, n.d.). This example shows how far additional funding can take ASA. With more grants, the opportunities for ASA to further expand will increase. Volunteers are last but definitely not least when it comes to the support of this key external public. Without the hard work and determination from volunteers, ASA would not be where it is today. Volunteers are the ones who help approximately 600 individuals a month and their families who are affected by with autism spectrum disorder (ASA, About Us, n.d.). Volunteers are the key people who help ASA produce events such as the Gridiron Gala, Walks, and the Funky Fish Fry. Without their continued help and support, ASA would seize to exist.

6. Competitors: One main competitor for ASA is a nationally known organization called Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks mission is similar to ASA because they both strive to bring awareness to ASD. Autism Speaks mission is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders (Torus, 2012). Because Autism Speaks is a nationally known organization with a similar mission, it makes it one of ASAs top competitors. Grants are the main source for competition. For example, Autism Speaks received a $100,000 Royal Arch Masons RARA grant that ASA could have definitely used (Autism Speaks Receives, 2011). Autism Speaks also has enough funds to provide its own grants in order to increase education on ASD. In 2011, Autism Speaks awarded nearly $1.8 million to 10 autism-treatment projects in order for further research to be conducted (Torus, 2012).

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Major universities can also be in competition with ASA. Colleges rely heavily on government grants in order to conduct research. This need puts major universities in the same playing field as ASA for grants. For example, the University of Alabama at Birmingham received a $1.7 million grant for autism monitoring (Colmenares, 2010). This grant allowed UAB enough money to expand its data collection in order to better identify children with ASD (Colmenares, 2010). While research is important in order for the world to better understand ASD, this example shows how even major universities are in the same competition for grants as ASA. Unrelated nonprofit organizations are also competitors. Any organization can choose to apply for a grant. If a grant is non-specific, it makes the competition for the grant even more competitive. For example, one of the most powerful and well-known nonprofits, the American Red Cross, can be in the same pool of applications as ASA. The American Red Cross received the $20,000 Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation grant that ASA could have also applied for (American Red Cross, 2013). This shows that any nonprofit, regardless of the mission, can be in competition with ASA.

7. External Factors: ASA is a nonprofit organization that is impacted in its environment by the economy, members and government legislation. To achieve successful operations, there must be a balance between these three external factors. The organization is dependent upon its fundraising and donor relations for economic stability, a maintained and strong participation relationship with its members and a meaningful voice in the state government legislation. Economy Like many nonprofit organizations, ASA is dependent upon its donors and fundraising

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opportunities. In 2011, the Nonprofit Finance Fund released a study describing the effects of the recession on the nonprofit sector. According to the survey of about 2,000 nonprofit organizations around the U.S., 87 percent reported that the economy had affected them in a negative manner. The economic downturn has resulted in a reduction of the necessary resources nonprofit organizations need for its clients and members (Canon, 2011). Fundraising events are a major source of income for ASA. Last years Gridiron Gala raised more than $55,000. The money is raised primarily through ticket prices (M. Jones, personal communication, Sept. 3, 2013). Operations use 25 percent of the proceeds and 75 percent is used to help its members (M. Jones, personal communication, Sept. 3, 2013). The organization commits to 501(c)(3) status statutes, meaning that it is tax-exempt and cannot be operated for the benefit of private interests (Individual and Family Social Services, 2012). Maintaining economic stability by balancing the budget and understanding the current economic state is important for nonprofit organizations like ASA to function efficiently. Members ASA is a membership-based nonprofit organization. Melanie Jones said, Members support enables us to achieve our mission. With only two full-time employees, ASA has a need for membership participation and volunteers. Members contribute help to those families, parents and professionals with the following: providing scholarships for outreach programs, offering services, assistance with hosting statewide educational events, adding educational books about autism to libraries and answering questions from caregivers and parents (M. Jones, personal communication, Sept. 3, 2013). On a national level, membership participation and retention is a current issue for nonprofit organizations. Relationship building with members and volunteers is a key factor for successful management (McCambridge, 2000).

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Government Legislation

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On March 15, 2012, Alabamians from various cities traveled to Montgomery to rally in support of the autism insurance reform bill (Autism Speaks, 2012b). The Senate Bill 283 was implemented in the state of Alabama in April 2012. The legislation included in the reform bill sets a requirement that state-regulated insurance providers cover diagnosis and treatment for children with ASD from ages 9 through 18. The bill provides multiple care treatment aspects including behavioral health, pharmacy, psychiatric, psychological and therapeutic (Autism Speaks, 2012a). In April of 2012, the first autism-themed license plate was approved by the state of Alabama. After campaigning to receive 1,000 commitments to purchase the new tags, ASA planned to increase the awareness of the organization and autism spectrum disorders within the state (ASA, 2012). The license plate costs an additional $50, but $41.25 of the proceeds go to ASA and help fund its outreach programs and events (Andrews, 2012).

8. Social Responsibility/Cause-Related Marketing: ASAs mission statement reads, to improve services for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy (ASA, About Us, n.d.). Social responsibility is identified through the mission statement by clearly representing the organizations loyalty to increasing the awareness of autism spectrum disorders. It offers services to those affected by creating outreach programs and having a voice in the state government. With the help of the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities, ASA was able to provide all 67 county public libraries in Alabama with educational references about ASD. Martha Noyes, director of the Phenix City-Russell County Library, said, Thank you so much for the wonderful books provided for our library These will be placed in our collection

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS immediately since we often have requests for these materials (Policy and Grants, 2011).

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ASA shares great relationships with other organizations throughout the state of Alabama that are also actively striving to raise awareness about ASD. ASA paired with Autism n Arts and Autism Speaks to promote the month of April as Autism Awareness Month and to promote the Light It Up Blue campaign. While ASA sponsored the Walk for Autism, Arts n Autism members sold blue ribbons as part of its Bow Out for Autism event. The University of Alabamas Panhellenic Association also participated by providing blue bulbs and asking the campus sororities and fraternities to participate (Taylor, 2013). For personal marketing of messages and ideas for the organization, ASA has an online store that carries autism-related merchandise located on its website. The available items vary from an alert decal that can be placed on members cars to a red picture frame that says I love someone with autism (ASA, Autism Awareness n.d.).

9. SWOT Analysis: Strengths - Ability to put on successful fundraising events such as the Gridiron Gala. - Willingness of the media to cover its events and news due to its philanthropic nature. - Positive relationships with other nonprofit organizations and agencies. Weaknesses - Reliance on volunteers. - Limited budget. Reliance on governmental grants, donations and fundraising. - With only two full-timed staff members, staff member must wear many hats. Opportunities - Establishing new donor relationships.

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS - Expanding its social media outreach to benefit ASAs communication with its key publics. - Reach more counties by adding more books to local libraries to educate the public on autism awareness. - Explore new opportunities and allow each staff member to focus on new ideas and delegate tasks more evenly through hiring additional staff. - Expanding its partnerships with higher-income businesses. Threats - Not receiving the governmental funds that ASA relies on. - Due to harsh economic times, local businesses may not be able to give the support ASA requires.

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- Creation of an organization that offers similar services could harm its outreach and increase the competition for the same grant or donation money.

10. Problem Statement: As the most important key public, establishing relationships with donors is essential to ASAs financial success. Instead of appealing only to past Gridiron Gala attenders and/or existing donors and volunteers, ASA should extend its outreach to establish new, potentially prosperous relationships.

11. Ranking of Key Publics: 1. Donors Donors are the most important key public to ASA. Without donor funding, ASA would be unable to provide its services. 2. Members ASA is a member-based organization. It exists to serve its members.

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS 3. Partners Partners give ASA financial support, help spread awareness and make certain events possible. 4. Staff The staff carries out the organizations everyday operations. 5. Volunteers As ASAs website states, Volunteers are a critical component to the present and future success of this organization (ASA, About Us, n.d.).

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ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS References

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The American Red Cross. (2013, July 12). Red Cross receives grant from Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/news/article/ks/topeka/Red-CrossReceives-Grant-from-Caroline-Peine-Charitable-Foundation Andrews, C. (2012, June 5). Autism license plates need 1,000 statewide commitments to be produced. AL.com. Retrieved from http://al.com/ Autism Society of Alabama. About us. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.autism-alabama.org/aboutus/mission-statement.html Autism Society of Alabama. Autism awareness. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.autismalabama.org/get-involved/autism-merchandise.html Autism Society of Alabama. Events. 2013 Gridiron Gala. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.autismalabama.org/component/content/article/1/1181-2013-gridiron-gala.html Autism Society of Alabama. In the news. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.autism-alabama.org/in-thenews/media-kit/724-autism-in-alabama.html Autism Society of Alabama. (n.d.). In Facebook [Home Page]. Retrieved September 13, 2013, from https://www.facebook.com/AutismSocietyAL?ref=br_tf Autism Society of Alabama. (2012, April 13). State approves its first autism-themed license plate. The Cullman Times. Autism Speaks. (2012a). Summary of 2012 Alabama autism insurance reform bills. Autismspeaks.com. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/ Autism Speaks. (2012b, March 15). Advocated rally support for insurance bills at annual Autism Legislation Day. Autismspeaks.com. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/ Autism Speaks awards nearly $1.8 million in autism treatment study grants. Autismspeaks.com.

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-speaks-awardsnearly-18-million-autism-treatment-study-grants Autism Speaks receives $100,000 Royal Arch Masons RARA grant. (2011, November 17). NewsMedical.net. Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/news/20111117/AutismSpeaks-receives-24100000-Royal-Arch-Masons-RARA-grant.aspx Canon, G. (2011, March 22). Economic recession continues to hit nonprofits hard. Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

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Chandler, K. (2012). Alabama Senate passes bill on autism insurance coverage. AL.com. Retrieved from http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/04/senate_passes_autism_coverage.html Collins, A. (2013, July 16). SAFE program aims to protect autistic kids and adults. Retrieved from http://centralal.myfoxal.com/news/news/208533-safe-program-aims-protect-autistic-kids-andadults Colmenares, C. (2010, August 25). UAB receives $1.7 million grant for autism monitoring. Uab.com. Retrieved from http://www.uab.edu/news/latest/item/69-uab-research-briefs-august-42010?tmpl=component&print=1 Department of Mental Health. (2013, April 1). Groups seek to educate public during National Autism Awareness Month. Retrieved from http://media.alabama.gov/pr/pr.aspx?id=7708 Dexter, K. (2010, March 25). Comedy event supports autism. cw.ua.edu. Retrieved from http://cw.ua.edu/2010/03/25/comedy-event-supports-autism/ Douglas, A. (2010). April is set aside for autism awareness. Fox10tv.com. Retrieved from http://www.fox10tv.com/news/april-is-set-aside-for-autism-awareness DSW Awards grant to Autism Speaks grant money from social media contest (2013, July 15). Accessoriesmagazine.com. Retrieved from http://www.accessoriesmagazine.com/74399/dsw-

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS awards-grant-to-autism-speaks-grant-money-from-social-media-contest

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Dumas, M. (2011). Area musicians pull together to promote autism awareness. AL.com. Retrieved from http://blog.al.com/entertainment-press-register/2011/03/area_musicians_pull_together_t.html 2013 Funky Fish Fry. (2013). Birmingham365.org. Retrieved from http://www.birmingham365.org/event/detail/441775283/2013_Funky_Fish_Fry Galloway, D. (2013). 2013 hope for autism gala. WHNT.com. Retrieved from http://whnt.com/2013/02/27/2013-hope-for-autism-gala/ Gillespie, L. (2013). Autism awareness: A balancing act in life. Cullmantimes.com. Retrieved from http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/x2055662167/Autism-awareness-A-balancing-act-in-life Gridiron Gala for autism awareness. (2013). Birmingham365.org. Retrieved from http://www.birmingham365.org/event/detail/441797377/Gridiron_Gala_for_Autism_Awareness Howell, C. (2013). Walk for Autism scheduled for April 6 at Tuscaloosa Magnet School. Al.com Retrieved from http://www.al.com Individual and family social services. Encyclopedia of American Industries. Ed. Lynn M. Pearce. Detroit: Gale, 2012. Business insights: Essentials. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). Exemption Requirements-Section 501(c)(3) Organizations. Retrieved from http://www.irs.gov/ Kuroda, S. (2013, May 30). The Locations Foundation: Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Purdentiallocations.com. Retrieved from http://www.prudentiallocations.com/news/locationsfoundation/the-locations-foundation-walk-now-for-autism-speaks.aspx Lend a hand: Walk for Autism fundraiser partners with CrossFit event. (2013, March 31). Tuscaloosanews.com. Retrieved from http://www.tuscaloosanews.com Malcolm, D. (2000, November 8). States autism society takes Helena headquarters. Birmingham News.

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com

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McCambridge, R. (2000, December 21). Show me the participation. Nonprofit Quarterly. Retrieved from http://Nonprofitquarterly.com/ McClendon, R. (2011, March 30). Mobile towers to go blue for autism. Al.com. Retrieved from http://blog.al.com/live/2011/03/mobile_towers_to_go_blue_for_a.html Organizational detail: Autism Society of Alabama .(2013). Birmingham365.com. Retrieved from http://www.birmingham365.org/org/detail/220153359/Autism_Society_of_Alabama Policy and grants: advisor update. (2011). With a Loud Voice. p.8. Project Lifesaver International. (n.d.) Mission. Retrieved from http://www.projectlifesaver.org/ Roth, M. (2013, July 14). Autism Society of America conference ends with focus on adults with autism. Post-gazette.com. Retrieved from http://www.post-gazette.com Roy, H. (2008, March 20). Poll shows need for autism action. NewsBank.com. Retrieved from http://infoweb.newsbank.com Smith, C. (2012). Autism awareness license plate Commitment to Purchase in progress. Al.com. Retrieved from http://blog.al.com/pressreleases/2012/03/autism_awareness_license_plate.html Smith, J. (2013, April 4). Walk for Autism to be held Saturday. cw.ua.edu. Retrieved from http://cw.ua.edu/2013/04/04/walk-for-autism-to-be-held-saturday/ Social services, not elsewhere classified. 2011. Encyclopedia of American Industries, Online Edition. Reproduced in Business and Company Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.:Gale Group. 2012. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com Specker, L. (2012, May 24). Pirates Cove Illuminating Autism event is no ordinary fundraiser. AL.com. Retrieved from http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/05/pirates_cove_illuminating_auti.html

ASA SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Staff, R. (2011, April 26). April is National Autism Awareness Month. US Official News. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com State approves its first autism-themed license plate. (2012, April 13). The Cullman Times. Retrieved from Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com Swope, T. (2009, April 18). Autism Society hosting April 25 benefit. GulfCoastNewsToday.com. Retrieved from http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/area_news/article_010bd110-40d8-5ef7ac0b-d3e2c03e5afc.html Taylor, M. (2013, April 4). Blue theme aims to spread awareness about autism in April. Tuscaloosanews.com. Retrieved from http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20130404/news/130409907?p=1&tc=pg Torus, M. (2012). What is autism?. AutismSpeaks.org. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/

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Woolfold, G. (2011, January 23). Tapped: A food and beer pairing benefiting the Autism Society of AL on Jan.28. Examiner.com. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/tapped-a-food-andbeer-pairing-benefiting-the-autism-society-of-al-on-jan-28 Worthington, P. (2011). Lindamood-Bell partners with the University of Alabama at Birmingham for Autism Study. Lindamoodbell.com. Retrieved from http://www.lindamoodbell.com/hotnews/press-releases/lindamood-bell-university-of-alabama-autism-study/ Walk for Autism is April 10 at Hank Aaron Stadium (2010). Al.com. Retrieved from http://blog.al.com/pr-communitynews/2010/04/walk_for_autism_is_april_3_at_hank_aaron_stadium.html Young, N. (2013). Calhoun County Autism Walk 2013. GeekAlabama.com. Retrieved from http://geekalabama.com/tag/autism-society-of-alabama/