The Autism Society Launches New Brand
The Autism Society Launches New Brand Created with the Autism Community
The Autism Society has launched a new brand developed with the Autism community in an inclusive process that ensures accessibility standards for those seeking connection to resources, support and community. As the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots Autism organization, the new brand reflects our foundation through grassroots input and ongoing engagement.
The Autism Society aims to foster connections within the Autism community. Connections to resources, information, services, opportunities, and of course, to each other. Our brand reflects the experiences, needs, and diversity of the Autism community, including Autistic individuals, their families, friends, caregivers, and professionals in Autism-related fields. Whether you are a parent looking for a support group, an autistic advocate looking for ways to impact policy in your community, or a support professional looking for resources, the Autism Society knows that The Connection is You™.
“No matter how you engage with the Autism Society, we want you to feel welcome, included and connected to the resources, support and community you are looking for,” said Autism Society of America’s President and CEO, Christopher Banks. “That’s why I am so deeply inspired by our new tagline – The Connection is You™. This is a call to action for every one of us in the Autism community to create connections intentionally. When you come to the Autism Society looking for information, you are the connection. When you create a local support group for fathers of Autistic children, you are the connection. When you are an Autistic self-advocate showing up to share your story for policy changes, you are the connection.”
Our Mission.
We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
Our Vision.
Creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.
Our Manifesto.
Because the experience of Autism is not one thing. Because it is many things. And because the connection between those experiences is you.
Because we see you. The way you think. The dreams you hold. The talents you bring. Because you can’t be categorized into neat little diagnostic boxes. Because you break the mold.
Because sometimes you’re quiet. Because sometimes you need help reaching for where you belong. Because sometimes what happens is not always right or fair or just. Because there are keys to every door that looks locked.
Because no matter how you were born, the person you are is infinite—and you are the only you there is.
Because Autism is just one part of who you are and the potential you hold.
The Autism Society, the connection is you.™
Our Process
From the beginning of the brand process, the Autism Society set out to create a space that was fully inclusive, accepting, and a diverse representation of all those we serve. To do this, we partnered with Watson Creative to develop a brand that would serve the Autism community into the future.
This new brand was intentionally developed with the Autism community. Over the course of a year, 150 individuals in the community participated in the brand development process; This includes Autistic people, parents, siblings and caregivers to Autistic individuals at all life stages, professionals and researchers in the field, and many leaders within the Autism Society’s affiliate network. The significant number of participants helped shape a brand from early research to final delivery of the look, feel, and tone you are experiencing today.
Through interviews, focus groups, and participation from advisory councils, our new brand was developed as an inclusive space to all. Every element of the brand was designed to create a beautiful, functional space so that those seeking resources could easily access information without visual, auditory or other sensory barriers.
Our Brand
The new brand includes an inclusive color system, “threads” that visually tie in our story of connection with line fluidity that helps create a calm, visual stimulation. In addition, our portrait photography authentically captures people within the Autism community, amplifying true representation in the brand’s visual components. The new logo weaves the colors and threads to create a visual that represents individuality and unique experiences that are simultaneously interconnected and woven into the greater Autism community.
Additionally, we are intentionally capitalizing Autism. The Autism Society believes the shift to a capital A is a broader representation of a culture, identity and diverse neurotype – as well as the disability itself. It can improve understanding of the diverse needs and perspectives within the Autism community, leading to increased access, inclusion, and meaningful support for people with Autism and their loved ones in our society.
Our Work
The accessibility of the new brand means those seeking information can easily connect with resources such as our national helpline, information from specialists, and a nationwide network of affiliates with local and regional connections that can help. Locally, the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and its local affiliate network continues our work to connect our community members to each other, to the resources they need, and to educational opportunities to help them thrive.
Beyond resources, the Autism Society is also a leader in advocacy for more inclusive policies and practices that benefit Autistic individuals. These efforts include advocating for equitable access to education and supports, employment, housing, health care, long-term support and services, and law enforcement and first-responder training.
The Autism Society has relied on the same brand for over 20 years. We are grateful for the brand that served our community so well for so long. More than that, we are grateful to you for being a connection that serves our whole community. Now, it is time to embrace the future of inclusivity, acceptance and connection for the Autism community. That future is you, because the Connection is You™.
