Autism Speaks Inc

Washington, DC · Founded 2005

Promotes support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families across the lifespan

Primary audience
Autistic individuals
Work area
Advocacy & services
Topic
Autism spectrum disorder
Contact
Keith Wargo
Website Contact

About Organization

The organization works to create an inclusive world for individuals with autism through advocacy, services, research, and innovation. Based in Washington, DC, it operates with 166 employees and 35,000 volunteers, generating $35.0 million in annual revenue. Founded in 2005, the organization provides information, services, and supports while funding research to improve quality of life for autistic individuals.

What They Focus On

Advocacy & Awareness

Promotes systemic change through policy advocacy and public education to create inclusive communities for autistic individuals

Research & Science

Funds scientific research and innovation to advance understanding of autism and improve interventions across the lifespan

Adult Services

Develops solutions for employment, housing, health, and wellness needs of autistic adults during life transitions

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$35.0M

Expenses (2023)

$40.7M

Assets (2023)

$35.3M

Employees (2023)

166

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $34,985,535 $40,745,638 $35,344,611 166
2022 — — — —
2022 $36,262,685 $42,911,083 $41,380,468 194
2021 — — — —
2021 $46,771,653 $44,122,642 $47,834,408 181
2020 — — — —
2020 $42,083,296 $41,166,504 $48,207,079 206
2019 $53,701,450 $48,144,682 $46,226,879 216

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Provide Resources

    Deliver reliable information and services to individuals with autism and families nationwide

  • 02

    Fund Research

    Support scientific studies and innovation through grants to advance autism understanding and care

  • 03

    Build Partnerships

    Collaborate with service providers, advocates, and communities to extend organizational impact

  • 04

    Advance Solutions

    Accelerate delivery of employment, housing, and wellness solutions for autistic adults

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Autism Speaks Inc

Information & Services

Provides reliable information and services across the lifespan for individuals with autism and families

Research & Innovation

Supports scientific research and innovation to improve quality of life and well-being for autistic individuals

Advocacy & Policy

Advances policies and systemic change through advocacy, partnerships, and collaboration with service providers

Adult Transition Support

Accelerates solutions for employment, housing, health, wellness, and transition needs for autistic adults

Community Education

Delivers public education and awareness initiatives about autism spectrum disorder and best practices

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Autism Speaks Inc.

KW

Keith Wargo

President/CEO
Full-time
Compensation: $624,041
JV

Joseph Vanyo

Chief Operating Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $346,700
KS

Kelli Seely

Chief Marketing Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $320,048
AS

Andy Shih

Chief Science Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $309,227
SS

Stuart Spielman

SVP, Advocacy
Full-time
Compensation: $241,720
JS

Jennifer S Podoll

SVP, Constituent Engagement
Full-time
Compensation: $226,808
LS

Lynn S Happel

SVP, It & Data Support
Full-time
Compensation: $226,611
JB

Judy Benardete

Director (As Of 4/2023)
1 hrs/week
LC

Laurie Chern

Director (As Of 4/2023)
1 hrs/week
WG

William Giles

Director (As Of 4/2023)
1 hrs/week
JN

Jacqlyn Nedvin

VP, People And Culture
Full-time
Compensation: $225,150
RS

Ryan Silver

VP, Finance And Facilities
Full-time
Compensation: $200,300
CL

Claudine Larocque

VP, Individual/Foundation Relations
Full-time
Compensation: $200,151
AM

Adrian M Jones

Vice Chairman
1 hrs/week
JN

Jacquelyn Nance

Vice Chairman
1 hrs/week
JT

Jamie T Richardson

Vice Chairman
1 hrs/week
AF

Adam Frazier

Director
AK

Aidan Kehoe

Director
BR

Barry R Feirstein

Director
CV

Cheryl Vitali

Director
DG

Darren Goode

Director
DH

Dr Herbert Pardes

Director
DS

Dr Stephen Shore

Director
JC

Jennifer Caserta

Director
JS

Jennifer Seidel

Director
KJ

Kevin J Murray

Director
MH

Matthew Higgins

Director
RS

Robert Schwenkel

Director
SR

Scott R Carpenter

Director
SP

Steven P Stanbrook

Director
SS

Stuart Savitz

Director
SP

Subriana Pierce

Director
TJ

Tim Jones

Director
TB

Tom Bernard

Director
TF

Tom Frazier

Director
WO

William O'Connor

Director

Milestones

2005

Organization Founded

2005

Autism Speaks established to promote solutions and support for the autism community

2011

IRS Recognition

2011

Received federal tax-exempt status as 501(c)(3) charitable organization

2019

Peak Revenue Year

2019

Reached highest annual revenue of $53.7 million with 216 employees

2023

Volunteer Network Expansion

2023

Grew volunteer base to 35,000 supporters advancing autism advocacy nationwide

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AF
Adam Frazier Director 1.00 hrs/week
AK
Aidan Kehoe Director 1.00 hrs/week
BR
Barry R Feirstein Director 1.00 hrs/week
BL
Brian L Harper Chair 1.00 hrs/week
CV
Cheryl Vitali Director 1.00 hrs/week
CA
Curtis Arledge Secretary/Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week
DG
Darren Goode Director 1.00 hrs/week
DH
Dr Herbert Pardes Director 1.00 hrs/week
DS
Dr Stephen Shore Director 1.00 hrs/week
JC
Jennifer Caserta Director 1.00 hrs/week
JS
Jennifer Seidel Director 1.00 hrs/week
KJ
Kevin J Murray Director 1.00 hrs/week
MH
Matthew Higgins Director 1.00 hrs/week
RS
Robert Schwenkel Director 1.00 hrs/week
SR
Scott R Carpenter Director 1.00 hrs/week
SP
Steven P Stanbrook Director 1.00 hrs/week
SS
Stuart Savitz Director 1.00 hrs/week
SP
Subriana Pierce Director 1.00 hrs/week
TJ
Tim Jones Director 1.00 hrs/week
TB
Tom Bernard Director 1.00 hrs/week
TF
Tom Frazier Director 1.00 hrs/week
WO
William O'Connor Director 1.00 hrs/week
AM
Adrian M Jones Vice Chairman
JN
Jacquelyn Nance Vice Chairman
JT
Jamie T Richardson Vice Chairman

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$3.3M

Highest Paid

$677K

Keith Wargo

Compensated Officers

10

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Keith Wargo President/CEO $624,041 $52,782 $676,823 40
Joseph Vanyo Chief Operating Officer $346,700 $27,982 $374,682 40
Andy Shih Chief Science Officer $309,227 $60,315 $369,542 40
Kelli Seely Chief Marketing Officer $320,048 $45,445 $365,493 40
Jennifer S Podoll SVP, Constituent Engagement $226,808 $57,075 $283,883 40
Lynn S Happel SVP, IT & Data Support $226,611 $54,331 $280,942 40
Stuart Spielman SVP, Advocacy $241,720 $11,025 $252,745 40
Jacqlyn Nedvin VP, People And Culture $225,150 $9,253 $234,403 40
Claudine Larocque VP, Individual/Foundation Relations $200,151 $23,717 $223,868 40
Ryan Silver VP, Finance And Facilities $200,300 $7,667 $207,967 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$5.3M

Total Forgiven

$5.3M

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

328

Loan Details 2 loans

$3,293,680
Forgiven
Forgiven: $3,330,093 100%
Approved Apr 27, 2020
Lender Hingham Institution for Savings
Jobs Reported 178
Forgiven On Jun 4, 2021
$2,000,000
Forgiven
Forgiven: $2,019,056 100%
Approved Jan 23, 2021
Lender Hingham Institution for Savings
Jobs Reported 150
Forgiven On Jan 11, 2022

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$2.5M Grants Received
$4.7M Grants Given
68 Organizations

Top Funders

32 total
PC
PAYPAL Charitable Giving Fund
$679K
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$392K
AO
American Online Giving Foundation Inc.
$389K
TI
THDF II Inc DBA
$170K
CC
Chc Creating Healthier Communities
$134K
CA
Charities Aid Foundation America
$88K
ND
Northeast Delta Dental Foundation
$85K
AE
American Endowment Foundation
$71K
GD
Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund
$70K
SF
Seattle Foundation 2 grants
$53K
+22 more funders

Top Grantees

36 total
PC
Phoenix Children's Hospital PHOENIX, AZ
$358K
UO
University Of Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH, PA
$344K
RU
Regents University Of California Los Angeles LOS ANGELES, CA
$300K
CC
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center CINCINNATI, OH
$266K
RO
Regents Of The University Of California At Irvine IRVINE, CA
$259K
TR
The Research Institute At Nationwide Children's Hospital COLUMBUS, OH
$250K
TB
The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University REDFWOOD CITY, CA
$246K
UO
University Of Rochester ROCHESTER, NY
$234K
RT
Rutgers The State University Of Nj PISCATAWAY, NJ
$200K
TC
The Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA, PA
$195K
+26 more grantees
PAYPAL Charitable Giving Fund Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund American Online Giving Foundation Inc. THDF II Inc DBA Chc Creating Healthier Communities Charities Aid Foundation America Northeast Delta Dental Foundation American Endowment Foundation Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund Seattle Foundation The Wawa Foundation Inc. Inspire Brands Foundation Inc Ingram-White Castle Foundation Baton Rouge Area Foundation Greater Houston Community Foundation St Louis Community Foundation Inc. Pricewaterhousecoopers Charitable Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. Phillies Charities Inc. Network For Good The Ayco Charitable Foundation Pledgeling Foundation Columbus Foundation Teamsters Local 25 Autism Fund Inc. Investment Professionals For Charity Inc. The Chicago Community Trust The United Way Of Southwestern Matthew L Greer Children's Foundation Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc. Give Lively Foundation Inc. Phoenix Children's Hospital University Of Pittsburgh Regents University Of California Los Angeles Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Regents Of The University Of California At Irvine The Research Institute At Nationwide Children's Hospital The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University University Of Rochester Rutgers The State University Of Nj The Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia University Of Massachusetts Worcester Prisma Health-Upstate The Rector & Visitors Of The University Of Virginia Research Foundation For State University Of New York The Metrohealth System Children's Hospital Corporation University Of Nebraska Board Of Regents Baylor College Of Medicine Childrens Healthcare Of Atlanta Inc. Children's Hospital Los Angeles The General Hospital Corporation Seattle Children's Hospital Emory University Board Of Regents Of The University Of Wisconsin System The Curators Of The University Of Missouri-Columbia Vanderbilt University Medical Center Raun D Melmed Md The Ohio State University Foundation Hive Networks Merakey Midwest
PAYPAL Charitable Giving Fund Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund American Online Giving Foundation Inc. THDF II Inc DBA Chc Creating Healthier Communities Charities Aid Foundation America Northeast Delta Dental Foundation American Endowment Foundation Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund Seattle Foundation The Wawa Foundation Inc. Inspire Brands Foundation Inc Ingram-White Castle Foundation Baton Rouge Area Foundation Greater Houston Community Foundation St Louis Community Foundation Inc. Pricewaterhousecoopers Charitable Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. Phillies Charities Inc. Network For Good The Ayco Charitable Foundation Pledgeling Foundation Columbus Foundation Teamsters Local 25 Autism Fund Inc. Investment Professionals For Charity Inc. The Chicago Community Trust The United Way Of Southwestern Matthew L Greer Children's Foundation Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc. Give Lively Foundation Inc. Phoenix Children's Hospital University Of Pittsburgh Regents University Of California Los Angeles Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Regents Of The University Of California At Irvine The Research Institute At Nationwide Children's Hospital The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University University Of Rochester Rutgers The State University Of Nj The Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia University Of Massachusetts Worcester Prisma Health-Upstate The Rector & Visitors Of The University Of Virginia Research Foundation For State University Of New York The Metrohealth System Children's Hospital Corporation University Of Nebraska Board Of Regents Baylor College Of Medicine Childrens Healthcare Of Atlanta Inc. Children's Hospital Los Angeles The General Hospital Corporation Seattle Children's Hospital Emory University Board Of Regents Of The University Of Wisconsin System The Curators Of The University Of Missouri-Columbia Vanderbilt University Medical Center Raun D Melmed Md The Ohio State University Foundation Hive Networks Merakey Midwest

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Related Organizations

1 affiliated entity reported on IRS Form 990 Schedule R

1

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

1
Autism Speaks Canada
Toronto, ONTARIO
See Part Vii
501(c)

Source: IRS Form 990, Schedule R (Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships)

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
2 Registrations
2 Clients
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 2 total

Autism Speaks Inc..
1 filing
Self
Autism Speaks
1 filing
Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Autism Speaks Inc

Phone

(646) 385-8500

Social

Visit Website
50 F Street NW 360 Washington, DC 20001