Autism Awareness Month is often the time everyone sees posts from parents who have children on the spectrum about Autism Speaks and how they were so amazing a helping their children.

It's also the time everyone sees posts from actual Autistics about why Autism Speaks is such a horrible organization and lists the reasons why nobody should support them. This is not going to be one of those articles because we have seen that a million times already.

If you want to know my feelings about the organization, I suggest reading my Open Letter to Autism Speaks I wrote last year on my WordPress blog. Instead, I am going to tell you about Autism charities you should donate to and why they're worth your money in the long run.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network

This is probably the most obvious entry on the list. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network was founded in 2006 by Ari Neeman and Scott Michael Robertson, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. Their mission is to create a world in which autistic people get the same access, rights, and opportunities as neurotypicals, and to empower autistics to take control of their own lives. This is one of my favorites mainly because of one little slogan, "Nothing about us without us!"

The Autism Women's Network

Founded in 2010 as the Asperger's Women's Network (and later changed their name in 2013 after Asperger's Syndrome was taken off the DSM5), the Autism Women's Network specifically helps women on the Autism Spectrum (a demographic that rarely gets talked about when it comes to these issues). The organization is also a major impact on feminism and the role the disability rights community plays in the movement.

The Autism Society of America

This one is not necessarily the highest rated autism charity out there, but it is still worth supporting in the long run. The Autism Society of America has chapters all throughout the United States and offers person-to-person support, along with insights and advocacy. It also provides online databases of local information and recommendations when it comes to therapists, healthy coping mechanisms, and buddy groups for autistics, which is very helpful.

National Autistic Society

Outside of the United States, the National Autistic Society has chapters all throughout the United Kingdom. The organization run eight private schools, provides employment placement, offers in-home and in-school support, and trains members of the autistic community to have successful lives. Many individuals on the spectrum in Great Britain have benefited greatly from being a part of the National Autistic Society.

The Asperger/Autism Network

The Asperger/Autism Network provides both in-person and online services for autistic adults and neurodiverse couples, no matter where they live. Not only this organization provides services to autistic adults, who tend to be ignored when it comes to providing services, but they also have autistic adults involved in every aspect of the organization, whether it's being on the Executive Board or serving on committees, and even getting paid positions with them. The organization has helped over 35,000 autistic adults since its establishment in 1996.

The Art of Autism & The Miracle Project

This organization, in particular, is the closest to me as an artist on the spectrum. The Art of Autism was created to spotlight autistic talents in the visual arts, along with their subsidiary, the Miracle Project, which provides opportunities for autistics to shine in the performing arts. They provide a forum for autistics to display, sell, and promote their artwork, whether it's fine art, poetry, film, music, or written work. The Art of Autism and The Miracle Project increase the confidence and independence of autistics by giving them a voice.