We firmly believe that the most important assets in the world are people, and while there is a place for research in all movements, investing in human beings will always yield the greatest return.

Started in 2005 by two parents of a child on the severe end of the autism spectrum, The Tommy Foundation has grown from a small dream in Lancaster, Pennsylania to now an award winning foundation with connections all across the United States.

Winners of a March 2010 Pepsi Refresh Project grant of $50,000, the Tommy Foundation are producers of the film "The United States of Autism," as well as leaders in the promotion of METT face recognition (as seen on Fox TV's show "Lie to Me") for individuals on the autism spectrum. Our collegiate programs are designed to assist current families as well as bring talent into the autism movement long term, and we endeavor to reach minority families in as many ways as possible

We also aim to embrace individuals on the spectrum who classify themselves as neuro-diverse, as well as individuals who can not speak for themselves and their families, as well as everyone in between. It is a tightrope to balance the interests of so many groups, yet we find that everyone can agree that we are all looking to help our children and selves reach our greatest potential. This is what we mean by our message "embracing families affected by autism".