In 1993, six families with autistic children discovered each other and decided to organize, share concerns and mobilize resources. The Alliance remains a grassroots organization, but it now serves 413 families and receives new requests every week. Initially, information on autism was limited, the Internet was in its infancy, and the local library had only two books on the subject. Today, thanks to an apparent explosion of autism among children, but also to AAM’s initiatives, the Morse Institute Library in Natick has 1,000 books on autism, and houses AAM’s resource and education center. One of AAM’s key programs is swimming sessions for autistic children, because drowning is a leading cause of death among them — they are drawn to the water’s appearance and its pressure on their bodies. Other activities: Sibshop, a support group for siblings; two videos with Doug Flutie, one to train police, firemen and EMTs in rescuing autistics in danger, the other to educate elementary school children about autism; and an Open Gym program with a trained physical therapist. And AAM’s total income in 2004 was only $66,000! Imagine what it could do with your help!