AE advocates towards European decision-makers to foster a better policy response to the needs of autistic people. AE also strives for more awareness and understanding of autism in society.
AE is comprised of almost 90 member association from 40 countries and represents an estimated 7 million people throughout Europe. Self-advocates and families play a central role in the organisation. AE is recognised by the European institutions as a key representative network in Europe of autistic people and their families.
Autism-Europe is an international non-profit organisation established in 1983 and recognised under Belgian law.
Mission
Autism-Europe’s mission is to improve the quality of life of all persons on the autism spectrum and their families in Europe. Our priorities are:
- Representing autistic people towards European Union’s institutions;
- Advocating for the rights of autistic people and fostering inclusion;
- Promoting access to education, training, health and employment, as well as life-long support in the community;
- Liaising with other non-governmental organisations sharing similar objectives;
- Promoting exchange of information, good practices and experience.
Vision
Autism-Europe ’s main objectives are:
- Ensure full implementation and respect of the rights and the effective participation of people with disabilities;
- Promote a rights and evidence-based approach to autism working together with people on the autism spectrum, their families, professionals and decision-makers;
- Encourage research on autism, prevalence studies and exchange of best practices and evidence-based interventions for autistic children, as well as support and habilitation services for adults.
Values
Autism-Europe’s work is based on the principles of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD):
- Respect for inherent dignity;
- Individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices;
- Non-discrimination;
- Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
- Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity;
- Equality of opportunity;
- Accessibility;
- Equality between men and women;
- Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.