History and Mission

Providing information, services and programs to children with autism and related disorders, their families and those who live and work with them.

Marcus Autism Center is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to provide information, services and programs to children with autism and related disorders, their families and those who live and work with them. We offer integrated advanced clinical, behavioral, educational and family support services through a single organization to reduce the stress for families that use our services.

Marcus Autism Center had its beginnings as The Marcus Developmental Resource Center at Emory University in 1991, as a result of a generous donation to the Children's Research Center Department of Pediatrics by Bernie and Billi Marcus. Through the encouragement and financial support of Marcus family, Marcus Autism Center has become a nationally recognized center for excellence for the provision of coordinated and comprehensive services for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.

Since inception, services have been provided to more than 30,000 individuals, conducted research, provided education and training programs. Children with conditions, such as autism, mental illness, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and disruptive behavior problems are afforded some of the highest quality services one of the largest team of professionals and support staff solely dedicated to child development in Georgia.

Together with families, support groups, government agencies and foundations, we are strengthening the community through advocacy at the local and state level. We strive for fuller integration of individuals with developmental disabilities into school and community life, better access for families to appropriate clinical and educational services, and enhanced funding for research and training.