One in 150 children in the United States today is on the autism spectrum. In 1980, that number was one in 10,000. In California alone, more than 2,900 new cases of autism were diagnosed in the first nine months of 2007-more than the prior sixteen years combined. The issue has become so widespread that the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that every child be screened for autism by age two. Overwhelmed schools and community organizations struggle to provide services to this complex population.

Founded by families to address the needs of children with autism and other developmental learning challenges in 2000, Oak Hill School currently serves twenty-one children from seven Bay Area counties. Three-fourths of the students were referred to the program by local public school districts, illustrating the growing need for special education programming outside the traditional systems. In partnership with schools and families, Oak Hill's innovative program integrates key therapeutic strategies into the classroom to set the stage for successful learning. Oak Hill plans to expand its facilities, increase its student capacity and become a leading center for education, research and training.

Founded in 2005, the Ryder Foundation funds organizations that research the environmental causes of autism and programs that effectively treat afflicted children. The Foundation's mission is to:

• study the link between environmental toxins and autism
• establish empirically-proven treatment methods
• help children with autism re-emerge into the relational world
• provide access to treatment resources for low-income families
• provide education and outreach to individuals, families, and communities.

ASHA is a holistic, multidisciplinary academy in Bangalore, India, providing special education to children with severe disabilities, particularly autism. Founded in 1995, ASHA endeavors to "render exceptional love, care, hope, and educational assistance to children with special needs, to help them develop and utilize their potential." The school also provides family support, community outreach, and training.