Last Updated: March 10, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how This Is Me: Understanding Autism (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information obtained through the website thisismeautism.org, related online platforms, and community initiatives.
We are committed to protecting the privacy of our community members, supporters, families, and visitors. This policy explains what information we collect, how it is used, and the rights available to individuals interacting with our platform.
By using this website, submitting information, or interacting with our services, you agree to the terms described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect personal information when you interact with our website, purchase products, subscribe to communications, submit stories, or complete forms.
Personal Information You Provide
You may voluntarily provide information including:
• Full name
• Email address
• Mailing or shipping address
• Phone number (if provided through forms)
• Order details and purchase history
• Story submissions, testimonials, or shared experiences
• Photos, media, or other materials submitted with permission
• Optional information provided through surveys or forms
This information is provided voluntarily when you:
• make a purchase
• subscribe to newsletters
• submit a story or community contribution
• participate in campaigns
• contact us through forms or email
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit the website, certain information may be collected automatically through cookies or analytics technologies, including:
• IP address
• browser type
• device type
• pages visited
• time spent on pages
• referring website links
• approximate geographic location
This information helps us improve the website experience and understand how visitors interact with our content.
2. How We Use Your Information
Information collected may be used for the following purposes:
• Processing purchases and fulfilling orders
• Shipping products and providing order updates
• Responding to inquiries or support requests
• Sending newsletters and community updates
• Sharing educational resources about autism
• Communicating campaign announcements or initiatives
• Managing story submissions or community participation
• Improving website functionality and user experience
• Maintaining security and preventing fraud
• Complying with legal obligations
We strive to use personal information only for legitimate operational, educational, or community-building purposes.
3. Email Communications
If you:
• subscribe to our newsletter
• submit a form
• make a purchase
• request updates
• participate in community initiatives
your email address may be added to our mailing list.
Emails may include:
• community updates
• autism education resources
• campaign announcements
• nonprofit development updates
• story highlights
• event or initiative invitations
Our email communications comply with the CAN-SPAM Act (15 U.S.C. §7701) and applicable federal regulations.
Every marketing email will include:
• a clear identification of the sender
• a physical mailing contact when required
• an unsubscribe option
You may unsubscribe at any time.
To opt out, you may:
• click the unsubscribe link in the email
• contact us at:
Please allow a reasonable period for processing unsubscribe requests.
4. Story Submissions and Community Contributions
Our platform encourages families, educators, and community members to share stories and experiences related to autism.
If you submit a story, photo, or content:
• You retain ownership of your content.
• By submitting content, you grant us permission to publish or share it only if authorization is provided through the submission form.
We will not publish identifying information without consent when stories involve minors, families, or sensitive personal experiences.
Submitted stories may be used for:
• educational purposes
• awareness campaigns
• community storytelling initiatives
• blog posts or newsletters
If you later wish to remove your submission, you may contact us at:
We will make reasonable efforts to remove the content when requested.
5. Sharing of Personal Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent personal information to third parties.
Information may be shared only with trusted service providers necessary to operate the website, including:
• payment processors
• shipping carriers
• website hosting providers
• email communication services
• website analytics platforms
These providers only receive the information necessary to perform their services and are expected to maintain appropriate security and confidentiality standards.
We may also disclose information when required to:
• comply with federal or state law
• respond to lawful government requests
• protect the rights, safety, or property of our organization or community
6. Payment Information
Payments made through our website are processed through secure third-party payment providers.
We do not store or have access to full credit card numbers or payment credentials.
Payment information is handled directly by the payment processor in accordance with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards).
7. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information.
These safeguards may include:
• encrypted website connections (HTTPS)
• secure payment processing
• restricted administrative access
• secure hosting platforms
While we strive to protect personal data, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Users should exercise caution when submitting personal information online.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our website and community initiatives are intended for a general audience.
We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 without parental consent, in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Story submissions involving children should be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child without appropriate consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete the information.
Parents or guardians who believe information has been collected improperly may contact us at:
9. Cookies and Analytics
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to:
• improve website functionality
• analyze website usage
• remember user preferences
• support website security
Cookies are small files stored on your device.
You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some website features may not function properly.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external websites, organizations, or educational resources.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.
Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of those websites before submitting personal information.
11. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information.
These may include the right to:
• request access to personal information we hold about you
• request correction of inaccurate information
• request deletion of personal information where applicable
• opt out of communications
Requests may be submitted to:
We will respond within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with applicable laws.
12. New Jersey Residents
Residents of the State of New Jersey may have additional protections under state consumer protection and data privacy laws.
We are committed to operating our website and community initiatives in compliance with applicable New Jersey consumer protection, data privacy, and electronic communications laws.
If you believe your privacy rights under New Jersey law have been violated, please contact us so we can address the issue.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect:
• operational changes
• legal updates
• improvements to our privacy practices
The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised Last Updated date.
Continued use of the website after updates indicates acceptance of the revised policy.
14. Contact Information
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or requests related to your personal information, please contact:
This Is Me: Understanding Autism
Email: admin@thisismeautism.org
Website: thisismeautism.org