Issue Protection and advocacy services are necessary for all human beings at various stages of life. Protection is the act of keeping a person safe from harm or injury.
Advocacy means acting and communicating in support of a policy, idea or concern.
Self-advocacy means acting and communicating for oneself. Protection and advocacy services are currently unavailable in quality and quantity throughout the nation. Position The Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Independent Living Association views advocacy and safeguarding the needs and rights of individuals with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome as vital in improving their quality of life. To be successful, protection and advocacy should continue to take place at both the individual and system levels. The Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Independent Living Association believes that in most situations the natural or adoptive family is the best source of protection from harm for a child with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.