Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Collaboration Opportunities OVERVIEW For the past 23 years, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism has helped people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest. As of today, the CDC reports that approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. On average, autism costs an estimated $60,000 a year throughout childhood, and parents often work fewer hours outside the home because of the increased needs of their loved one on the autism spectrum. As people with autism enter adulthood, the cost of caring for a loved one increases substantially. Over 50% of people with autism at the age of 25 have never held a paying job. Through our programs and initiatives, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism (DFJFA) improves the quality of everyday life for people and families affected by autism. We provided a path for education and/or employment during the day, opportunities for physical and social activity outside of work/school, and the tools to be safe, supported and informed at all times.
DFJFA was established in 1998 by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, in honor of their son, Doug, Jr., who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Over the years, DFJFA has become a trusted partner to individuals and organizations – ensuring those affected by autism are receiving the care they need to prosper and grow. The Flutie Foundation has impacted tens of thousands of people and families affected by autism through several programs and initiatives and by the distribution of over $15 million to address the critical needs in the autism community. In addition to a robust annual grant program, DFJFA provides technology supports, adaptive camp scholarships, community safety support, direct financial assistance to families, and employment opportunities for adults with autism. Through collaborative grantmaking and community investments, we partner with local organizations, schools, support centers, and companies to provide critical, innovative, and responsive programming and services that are answering the everyday challenges facing the autism community today.
In 2021, we invested over $1,000,000 into the autism community, positively impacting over 15,000 people and families affected by autism.