Theda Ellis Executive Director, ASD

     Welcome to the ASD website. This organization and website were developed by parents for
other parents, families and friends who have a loved one with autism. Our intent is to provide a
little bit of information about autism and to point you to other websites with more in-depth information.
More important, we want to welcome you to the autism community.

     ASD was started in 1998 by a group of families who became friends through their common
experience with this thing called autism. They realized they had similar questions, issues, goals and
fears. They realized that they liked each other, understood each other, and felt comfortable together;
so they decided to form a group that could  reach out to others facing autism, and they could work
together to improve opportunities for their children. Less than a decade later, ASD is now have a
thriving advocacy organization that works to connect the autism community together throughout Delaware.

     As you go through our website, you’ll see the many things that we do. As a newcomer, take a
look at our calendar of events and come to a chapter meeting in Kent or New Castle County. Better
yet, bring your family to a social event where we guarantee, you’ll have a good time. Read our newsletter
to learn what’s happening in Delaware, and where you’ll understand what is happening in the autism community.

     We all want what’s best for our children. For children to thrive, their parents need to thrive as well.
We encourage you to join ASD in participating in our social events, or become volunteer by joining a committee or
working at an event. It will help you and more important, it will help your child.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Theda M. Ellis, M.Ed., MBA

                                                                         Executive Director