Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, is advocating for children's mental health awareness in a new public service announcement for U.K. non-profit Place2Be. 

According to their website, Place2Be is the "leading U.K. provider of school-based mental health support."

In the video above, Kate discusses the stigma surround mental health and the lack of support services available for children. Kate also talks about the issue of bullying. 

Prince William and Kate are expecting their second child. The royal couples first child, George, is one and a half years old.

Autism Speaks applauds Duchess Kate's advocacy of this crucial issue. As a group, children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher rate of mental health disorders than that of the general population. Read more here.

Autism Speaks was invited to attend the "Celebrity Apprentice" 14^th Season finale! "Celebrity Apprentice" is hosted by Donald Trump that follows business-savvy celebrity contestants as they try to raise money and awareness for their charity of choice. The last person standing will be chosen as this season's Celebrity Apprentice and have the honor of delivering a $250,000 bonus check to their designated charity. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried, a contestant on this season selected Autism Speaks as his benefitting charity.

Gilbert once read an article in the New York Times about a man who had trouble communicating with his autistic son, who loved the animated movie "Aladdin." The father put on a puppet show acting as Iago, the talking parrot voiced by Gilbert Gottfried in the film, and the father was able to communicate with his son for the first time through the voice of Iago.

This article touched Gottfried and led him to support Autism Speaks, which is dedicated to funding research into the causes and prevention; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

Although he was not chosen as “The Apprentice”, we want to sincerely thank Gilbert for choosing us has his benefitting charity and in the process helping raise awareness for autism.

A Canutillo High School, Texas senior's dream came true on Senior Night: he got to play in the school's basketball game and even scored a 3-pointer as the crowd roared.

Adrian Martinez, a teen with autism at the school, was the team's manager for the past three years. But his classmates pulled for him to get his chance in the spotlight.

Classmates wore shirts with his number on it, and chanted his name. What a way to graduate!

According to Glenn Beratti's mom, Ashlee, no one from his class attended his recent 6th birthday party in St. Cloud, Florida. Glenn is on the autism spectrum and also suffers from epilepsy. Ashlee was heartbroken for her son. That's when she took to Facebook to air her frustration.

 According to the Osceola News-Gazette, Ashlee wrote, “I know this might be something silly to rant about, but my heart is breaking for my son. We invited his whole class (16 kids) over for his 6th birthday party today. Not one kid came."

 Then something amazing happened. The St. Cloud community came together to give Glenn the birthday he deserved. Strangered came over with gifts for Glenn, then the fire department brought their truck to his house and the police department did a fly over with their helicopter. 

Watch the ClickOrlando.com video above to see Glenn's reaction to the kindness of strangers. 

A Philadelphia police officer is receiving praise in his local community after raising nearly $8,000 to help purchase iPads for 36 children with autism in the Philadelphia School District. Officer Sammy Sanchez, who has a son on the spectrum, wanted to make an impact on individuals with autism and help see them progress.

The iPads were given to these children on Thursday. Officer Sanchez hopes that he will be able to fundraise even more towards the cause in the future. You can watch the video via the link here. 

You can read more on this story on WPVI-TV here

Autism Speaks has donated almost 3,000 iPads over the last three years to financially disadvantaged individuals with autism of all ages around the country. Sign up for our Community Connections newsletter to hear about the next round of applications later this year!

Since 2004, the Boston University (BU) Men’s Ice Hockey Team has supported Autism Speaks, on the ice and at events throughout Greater Boston.  On Saturday night, they once again hosted families and individuals with autism for a night of hockey and promoting autism awareness.

For the third season, the team is wearing Autism Speaks Puzzle Pieces on their home, away, and special jerseys all season long!  Before the game, Kris Brassil, Agganis Arena’s General Manager, and Drew Marrochello, BU Athletic Director, presented Autism Speaks New England Chapter Board Chairman, Larry Cancro with one of the personalized jerseys for her and his daughter, Lisa. 

“Since adopting Autism Speaks as their official charity in 2004, the Boston University hockey team has continued to find new ways to show their support for this cause.  This year they have taken their support to a new level by wearing specially designed jerseys to commemorate Autism Speaks Night at Agganis Arena,” said Larry Cancro, Chairman of Autism Speaks, New England.  These jerseys will help raise awareness for the autism community and can be used to raise funds for Autism Speaks.

In a video before the game, Anthony Moccia, Goalie, said, “It is a great pleasure and honor to show support to the parents and people with autism.  Regardless of if we win tonight, this game is for them, too!”

David Rosenzweig, Greater Boston Committee Member, was proud to serve as Honorary Captain!  He was introduced during the line-up and presented Coach Quinn with the team’s Community Partner Award.  As an adult with autism, David is very concerned about the availability of adult services and residential supports and was pleased to use his role as Honorary Captain to raise awareness of this need in the community.

Singing the National Anthem was Hana Bella Ruran, of Hopkinton, MA.  A 4^th grader at Metro West Jewish Day School, in Framingham, Hana is especially devoted to her 8 year old brother Jack who has autism.  Seeing his daughter sing was even more meaningful for Hana’s father and Greater Boston Committee member, Dani Ruran, “I'm proud of my law school alma mater for supporting Autism Speaks.”

During the game, any individuals needing a break from the excitement of Agganis Arena, could find relief in the Quiet Room provided by BU Athletics.  In addition to providing the Quiet Room, the buzzer did not sound when a goal was scored out of consideration for those with a sensitivity to sound. 

The Autism Speaks U BU Chapter hosted a table with information and merchandise for sale.  They also sold hundreds of pucks for the Chuck-A-Puck contest which took place during the second intermission!  The winner received one of the Autism Speaks Jerseys! 

BU Hockey Fans learned about autism and Autism Speaks throughout the game with PSA and announcements!  While it may not have been a win in the books for BU, it was a huge win for individuals and families in the autism community!

Despite unfavorable weather conditions in the Lehigh Valley over 125 walkers, team captains, service providers and community leaders gathered together to celebrate the success of 2014 and gear up for the 2015 walk. Participants learned about Autism Speaks, our great programs and services, and how to successfully fundraise this year. Materials were distributed and incentives for fundraising was discussed. Thanks to our amazing partners at Dorney Park we will once again be able to offer two all day passes for the 2015 operating season to any Grand Club Member.

Top Teams shared their inside secrets to success, with a reoccurring theme …JUST ASK. We learned to “Just Ask” everyone you come in contact with for a donation. “Just Ask” returning teams for assistance on our Facebook pages. “Just Ask” your local service provider if they are interested in a table at the Resource Fair . Team Captains were encouraged to call the Autism Speaks office and “Just Ask” for more materials and for answers to any questions you may have.

A local business who will be hosting an event, “Cupcakes for A Cause”, shared details with our group. This new event to the Lehigh Valley in 2015 could prove to be a wonderful and tasty experience.

You can learn more about the Lehigh Valley Walk here

Team Up! with Autism Speaks had 60 participants in the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, with many of them in Princess costumes. On race week the runners met up for a fantastic buffet-style dinner at the Coronado Springs Convention Center with their teammates, as well their families and friends. 

On Saturday, some of our runners enjoyed the 10k on an enchanted journey throughout Epcot, while on Sunday, our Half Marathon group participated in a fantastic 13.1 mile course through the most magical place on earth including Disney's Magic Kingdom® Park. And some of our runners participated in both races to earn the Glass Slipper Challenge Medal, running 23.2 magical miles in two days!

This weekend was definitely full of miles, smiles, medals, sweat, hugs and accomplishments, not to mention raising over $100,000! Congratulations to each of our runners for their impressive feats, with special thanks to their families and friends for their support throughout the training cycle, cheering, and fundraising.

"The Amazing Spider-Man" comic book writer, Stan Lee, made an 8-year-old boy with autism's day when he illustrated a portrait of the famous crime fighter and sent the package to his home in Harlem.

After reading about Jamel Hunter, 8, in a New York Times Neediest Cases Fund story in December, a thoughtful reader named Corky Hale talked to Lee, her neighbor, who co-wrote the famous "Spider Man" comic books. 

“This was a unique experience,” Lee told the Times. “Corky called me and said there was a little boy,” he said. “She wanted a sketch, so I did one.”  Hale then mailed the sketch to the Times reporter, who delivered it to Jamel.

Read more about this touching story on The New York Times. 

With help from @TheRealStanLee, Spider-Man visits an 8-year-old fan in Harlem http://t.co/hU6bH9vxtSpic.twitter.com/XdKpPIPTv9

— NYT Metro Desk (@NYTMetro) February 21, 2015

Community and Fundraising were the themes behind the Saturday, February 21^stGeorgia Walk Now For Autism Speaks in Partnership with the Marcus Autism Center kickoff. 2015 Walk Chair, Kathleen Leard greeted and welcomed over 200 fundraisers at the Manor Golf & Country Club in Alpharetta. Attendees were treated to fabulous food and an opportunity to collect team packets, walk posters, walk brochures, and materials for the new Kids and Coins program to help their fundraising efforts.

The evening was emceed by CBS46 Annalee Penny and  consisted of updates from our partners at the Marcus Autism Center and highlighting the impact of fundraising by local speakers who were 2014 Grant Recipients of our Autism Speaks Water and Swimming Safety Grant, Baker Summer Camp, iPad Grant, and the Brian & Patricia Kelly Post Secondary Scholarship Grant. New this year to the kick off was local respite provider Autumn’s Gift who offered respite care complete with music therapy for individuals on the spectrum while adults were able to enjoy the program.

It was a great night to recognize our past Walk Chair Suzanne Wheeler and our corporate and media sponsors that also help make the Georgia Walk such a great event! We hope our families enjoyed the evening (and photo both complete with props!) and we look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, April 26^th at 8am at Atlantic Station as we walk to raise awareness and reach our $625,000 goal!

Special thanks to:
Volunteers from Georgia State University Alpha Xi Delta
Photography provided by: Jabari Cain http://weddings.cainscamera.com
DJ Hi Tek
Autumn’s Gift
Debra McGlawn, photo booth photographer

This year marks 10 years of progress since Autism Speaks first opened its doors in 2005. As we move into our 11th year our goal is to significantly enhance autism services in every  community and push to get the groundbreaking ABLE Act , now the law of the land, implemented in all 50 states. Our dedicated field teams will be the ones heading this effort.

Thanks to the passion and generosity of our community, Autism Speaks has helped advance our understanding and treatment of autism in ways almost unimaginable ten years ago. Watch the video above for a short retrospective of how far we've come.  

Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright are making headlines this week as the organization they founded in 2005 celebrates 10 years of progress. Thanks to the passion and generosity of our community, Autism Speaks has helped advance our understanding and treatment of autism in ways almost unimaginable ten years ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Wright appeared on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports to discuss the current state of autism research and family services. Watch their interview below. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wright also appeared on Bloomberg's "In The Loop" with Betty Liu where they discussed the 50 percent rise in autism awareness since Autism Speaks' was founded. Watch the interview here.

This guest post is by Monica who has a young boy on the autism spectrum. This blog is part of our new blog series highlighting Autism Speaks 10 Years of Progress: A Lifetime of Hope. How has Autism Speaks touched your life? Email us at AS10Years@gmail.com! 

When my son, Jayson, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 14 months, I knew I needed resources.  I did not have anyone in my life that had experience with Autism.  It was all brand new to me.  Jayson was diagnosed on a Monday in November. On the very next day, I googled “Autism Speaks." I had to find out if there was a local chapter and find some way to connect to this new diagnosis.  

By Wednesday I had emailed the local chapter asking if I could help plan a walk. For me, volunteering with Autism Speaks has been my coping mechanism. It’s the place I put my energy into in order to sort out the reason for our journey.  I have met some of the most incredible people while volunteering with Autism Speaks.  I have been able to connect with moms and dads of kiddos on the spectrum and some of them are now my greatest friends.  I have met other volunteers and employees that have been so resourceful to our family.   

Anytime I need some information on something new my son is going through, I just pull up the website and search and the answer is almost always there.  If I can’t find it myself, Autism Speaks staff is always a phone call or email away.  Their prompt response to my current struggle, makes finding the answer so simple.  The research Autism Speaks is doing as well as the information they share with the families, helps me feel like I now have a better understanding of the Autism world and feel more educated. I love the Light It Up Blue Campaign.  

It is something I can get my community involved in and it really helps us feel like people are listening.  I remember getting that diagnosis on that cold Monday in November and feeling crushed.  Wondering how in the world I was going to help my son and how our family was going to make it through this.  I remember feeling so alone and not knowing where to go for answers.  I truly felt helpless and hopeless.  Now just a three short years later, and thru the help of Autism Speaks, our family has a much brighter outlook. I couldn’t be more grateful for all that they do.

Have a story you want to share about how Autism Speaks touched your life? Email us at AS10Years@gmail.com.

Autism Speaks Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs Andy Shih, a former NAAR employee, talks about the contributions made by the legacy organizations that formed the foundation of Autism Speaks.

As we mark 10 years of Autism Speaks, I am reminded of a quote by Sir Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Indeed, one of the reasons Autism Speaks was able to accomplish so much in such a short time is because we were able to build on some of the programmatic foundation established by leading family organizations, Autism Coalition for Research and Education (ACRE), National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), and Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN), that merged with Autism Speaks in 2005 and 2006.

Today, many staff from those organizations still work at Autism Speaks, and field and science programs like Walk Now for Autism Speaks, Autism Genome Project (precursor to MSSNG), Baby Siblings Research Consortium (BSRC), and Autism Genetics Resource Exchange (AGRE) all had their start with these pioneering organizations. We thank them for their great work, so vital in making our work- and progress- today possible.

As we look to the future, help us significantly enhance autism services in every community and further groundbreaking research. Make a donation today.

Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright toasted to 10 years since the organization was founded in 2005. Mr. and Mrs. Wright celebrated with Autism Speaks staffers and volunteers from across the U.S. and Canada.

Find out what we've learned about autism in the last decade.

WATCH: Autism Speaks in the news, celebrating 10 years of progress.

Dear Friends,

Today we mark exactly 10 years since we first opened our doors at Autism Speaks. It is an incredible milestone in our work for our grandson Christian and the 70 million boys, girls, men and women like him and your loved ones.  And, we are incredibly proud of the progress we have made.

We have raised autism awareness 50% among parents of young children. We have developed walks in more than 100 areas and assisted caregivers via phone and email 43,000 times in 2014 alone.

We have built global partnerships in 60 nations. We fought for one of only seven UN sanctioned “world days,” and every April 2^nd, World Autism Awareness Day, on every continent, we light the world blue in honor of our loved ones. Last year, 10,000 beautiful blue lights on buildings on all seven continents around the world illuminated the sky. We’ve also been on the International Space Station for the last three years.

Friends, we begin our next chapter with remarkable recent accomplishments including:

• MSSNG - revolutionary new genetic research we have begun with Google;
• The signing of the ABLE Act, which established tax free savings accounts for the 58 million families with disabilities;
• A worldwide outreach to the faithful following the first ever Vatican conference on autism where we gave remarks, then met and were inspired by Pope Francis;
• The tireless nonstop work of the Autism Response team which has fulfilled 138,129 calls and emails since 2007; and
• The passage of the Autism Cares (and formerly the Combating Autism Act) which by 2019 will have allocated 3 billion federal research dollars to autism over two administrations. A true bipartisan effort.

Now we must focus on improving services for every family in every corner of the world. No exceptions. We need to connect our countless volunteers to each other, to all autism self advocates who are able to work on their own and to every autism family. They are our soldiers. Brave moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. As Gandhi once said: “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."

We have that faith and we are altering history. And so we ask you to join us. Rejoice at our progress. Be inspired by our brave, beautiful loved ones with autism. Let them be your incentive to enlist as our newest autism soldier.

Warmest regards,

Suzanne and Bob Wright

Find out what we've learned about autism in the last decade.

WATCH: Autism Speaks in the news, celebrating 10 years of progress.

New York, N.Y. (February 25, 2015) -- Today Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, is marking ten years since it was founded by Suzanne and Bob Wright after their grandson was diagnosed with autism. Since then, the organization has made great strides. It has committed more than $525 million, primarily to science and medical research, into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism. Prevalence is skyrocketing: Ten years ago, 1 in 166 children were diagnosed with autism. Today, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, it is 1 in 68.

“When our grandson Christian was diagnosed, there was nowhere for families to turn,” said Suzanne Wright. “By sharing what we’ve learned and taking our message to Washington, the United Nations and even the Vatican, we’ve been able to raise awareness and bring hope to millions of families.”

Autism Speaks connects families with local resources and provides Tool Kits for every stage of life to help them navigate their journey with autism. Each year for the next decade, an estimated 50,000 young people with autism will transition into adulthood. To address the needs of this growing population, Autism Speaks is holding town halls across the country to help communities create opportunities for employment and housing.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers take part in the organization’s signature fundraising events, Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Held in more than 100 cities across North America, the walks have raised awareness and nearly $250 million for research and services.

Autism Speaks has gone global and now has partnerships more than 60 countries to foster awareness and services in low-resource communities. More than 10,000 landmarks, buildings and homes in 136 countries on all seven continents took part last year in the annual Light It Up Blue awareness campaign on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day.

At the vanguard of precision medicine, Autism Speaks is collaborating with Google on the MSSNG project (pronounced ‘missing) to look for the missing answers to the autism puzzle. Scientists will sequence the genomes of 10,000 people with autism and their families. That data, available to autism researchers worldwide on Google’s Cloud Platform, will accelerate the pace of research and lead to personalized treatments.

On the legislative front, Autism Speaks has successfully advocated for insurance coverage of autism treatments in 38 states and counting. Legislation passed since 2006 will result in more than $3 billion in federal funding by 2019 for autism research, monitoring and professional training. Autism Speaks also helped lead a campaign resulting in passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE). It allows people with disabilities to set up tax-free 529 savings accounts for disability expenses.

“We’ve been successful in advocating for laws that empower families to get the services they deserve,” said Bob Wright, former vice chairman of General Electric and former chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. “We’ll continue to promote bold, innovative ideas and a national strategy for understanding autism and managing this growing health crisis.”

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors.

For more about our ten years of progress:What We’ve Learned About Autism

For more about Autism Speaks: www.AutismSpeaks.org.

This Autism Speaks film delves into just how unique every individual with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is. There is a saying among the autism community, "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." This film resonates that message. 

Find out what we've learned about autism in the last decade.

WATCH: Autism Speaks in the news, celebrating 10 years of progress.