Just be careful with Autism Speaks... they were originally founded by people who were hostile toward their autistic children... one founding member went on video record stating that the only thing keeping her from killing her autistic child was that it would negatively impact her "normal" child. They also do NOT accept adult autistics as part of policy planning efforts etc. ... imagine a diabetes association that doesn't want to include diabetics in policy making, etc.

While they do have information that can be helpful in parenting, be cautious.

I just learned of HopeMob.org which is a fee-free crowdfunding source that verifies stories raising money and gives 100% of funds raised to the service. No cash is given to the families, but goes to the service being provided for. Friends of mine are using it to raise money for their adoption fees. I'm starting the process to raise money for my son's ABA therapy program. Insurance doesn't cover a dime. My brother has generously offered to pay for a few months of therapy that ends at the end of the year (Dec 2013). In order for therapy to continue, we need to raise enough to cover about $1000/month. My goal is to raise $5000 to get through the end of the school year. Maybe you can check it out too!

Thanks @MichellSarabia - the more I read and hear about Autism Speaks, the less I like them. I really like the Generation Rescue. I also read about a community that had done a walk with Autism Speaks, and then the following year they didn't include them so that they could donate the money right back to the community and the Autism Speaks group held a walk on the same day in the same area, so those people lost a lot of participants because of that.... just thought it was realy rude. Anyway - I'm really wanting to get people in my community together and donate the money to families who need help paying for therapies now.

A benefit would be perfect for raising money for a service dog...there are alot of things you can do to raise money also , like for instance you could have an art competition...find a location in your community and ask them if you could hang peoples art on the walls and have people enter their art into the competion and put an envelope next to each art piece and make an announcement in the paper telling everyone where to go to vote for their favorite art piece by putting money in the envelope..which ever envelope has the most money in at the end of the competition wins the competition. ( it would have to be a safe place where you wouldn't have to worry about theft.) go to local businesses and ask for prize donations!! it would be a great way for local artists to display their work and to spread autism awareness and to raise funds !!

Just an idea. Not sure if would work but perhaps if you have a place in mind for the money to go (example: you want your son to get horse therapy and have a place in mind.) you could ask ppl to make check payable to that place for your son. Like $10 donations to help pay.