AHA’s History

Our board, advisory board, staff and membership include individuals on the autism spectrum, their family members, and the educators and professionals who support them.

Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism (AHA) Association began in the spring of 1988 under the auspices of the Department of Child Psychiatry at Stony Brook University. We have changed names multiple times as the classifications and diagnoses of autism have evolved. Even now, both Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism are categorized under the umbrella term Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). What started as a small group of parents is now a vast support network. Our board/advisory board, staff, and membership include individuals on the autism spectrum, their family members, and the educators and professionals who support them.

1988 – Founded as Advocates for High-Functioning Autistic-Like Children

1993 – Changed name to Advocates for High-Functioning Individuals with Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder

1997 – Our name changed to Advocates for Individuals with High-Functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (AHA/AS/PDD)

2007 – Our current name is Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism Association (AHA) and has been the name of our group since 2007 although we are generally referred to as AHA. We began the weekly AHA eNews with articles, research, events and conference information.

2010 – Moved our offices to a larger space in Long Island and started holding Nassau/Western Suffolk support meetings in this location. Opened a satellite in Manhattan at Spectrum Services.

2011-Present – Continuing to grow our resources and support services, holding bi-annual educational conferences and ASD-friendly events, publishing our bi-annual print publication (On the Spectrum), remaining true to our mission, and looking forward to the future for AHA and the autism community.

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