Asperger/Autism Network: New Name, Same Mission for Asperger's Association of New England

WATERTOWN, Mass., Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AANE, one of the leading support and advocacy organizations for individuals with autism and their families, is changing its name to Asperger Autism Network, and maintaining its acronym AANE.

The name change comes as the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association includes the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome in the category of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In earlier editions of the DSM, Asperger's Syndrome was its own diagnosis.

A nationally recognized organization with more than 26,000 constituents, AANE serves individuals with Asperger Autism Spectrum Disorders and related profiles and their families regardless of where they live, no longer just in New England. As a result, the name change also reflects the population that AANE reaches through its network of in person and on-line training, support, advocacy and resource services.

"AANE empowers those with AS and their families to build meaningful and connected lives," said Dania Jekel, AANE's Executive Director. "AANE professionals collaborate with adults and families to develop services and supports that are personal and reflective of their vision for the individual with AS," she said.

Individuals and families rely on AANE's wide range of services including a comprehensive resource listing, website, workshops for nearly every development stage, social events for children and adults as well as  conferences, seminars and webinars and a collaborative for Artists with AS. AANE also provides consultative services to professionals who work with AS individuals so they can better understand their clients and employees.

AANE welcomes individuals, families, employers, educators, health care professionals and other supporters to join their mission so that AS individuals feel connected to and understood by their community and become empowered self-advocates. 

About Asperger/Autism Network
The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) is a nationally recognized organization that works with individuals, families and professionals to help people on the Autism Spectrum who fit the profile of Asperger Syndrome (AS) build meaningful, connected lives.  AANE does this by providing information, education, community, support, and advocacy, all in an atmosphere of validation and respect.  www.aane.org

SOURCE Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)