The A.U.T.O. Foundation
The AUTO Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization created to sustain, promote and ensure the A.U.T.O. program will continue into the future.
A.U.T.O (Autism Understanding Through Outreach) is an outreach program from The AUTO Foundation focused on bringing autism awareness to the STEM community and beyond.
What started in our community has spread rapidly and we are training teams around the world. Currently, A.U.T.O.’s impact can be found in seven countries, on four continents, with more than 50 teams trained already.
Why join A.U.T.O.?
What is ASD
Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is the term applied to a social, behavioral, and neurological disorder that affects children and adults. Autism is a spectrum disorder, there is no single trait that is always present in every individual with autism. No two people with autism are alike. Currently, there is no known cause of autism and no singular cure for autism.
Why are we so interested?
Since our inception, our robotics team has always had team members on the spectrum and has worked diligently to keep them included and active in our club. In school, public, and at robotics events, we encounter people on all levels of the spectrum and we believe that to better interact you must first seek to understand. Identifying someone on the spectrum and knowing how to engage with them is the first step in doing so.
ASD in STEM
According to the National Autism Association, autism affects 1 in 36 children, and with early intervention, they can developmentally progress. Past research indicates that many of these children gravitate toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) once exposed to the disciplines. One such study found that over a third of young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (34.1 percent) chose a STEM major in college. Despite their passion, however, many children with ASD are often excluded from STEM activities due to misconceptions about their abilities.
“Through speaking with multiple teachers and other outside sources. I have realized the challenges and work that goes into teaching and helping someone with special needs. I am exited to help this program grow and flourish, and connect with youth worldwide and get them included and interested in robotics.”
Deagan O’Neil
Project Co-Lead
Our Mission
To increase awareness and understanding of autism (ASD) in the STEM community to build a bridge to those on the spectrum.
The A.U.T.O Foundation 