The National Autistic Society is funded through UK government grants and voluntary contributions.

[4] In 1963, Gerald Gasson, a parent and member of the executive committee, designed the primary symbol for autism: a puzzle piece with a picture of a crying child inside of it, which was first used as logo by the NAS itself.

[10] It was described as "the first of its kind in the UK, and, it is thought, the world", and quickly became an example for how autistic people should be taught, and influenced the TEACCH methods in the US.

Over 3,000 people work for the National Autistic Society in schools and services as well as training, fundraising, policy and campaigns teams.

The National Autistic Society had also managed 3 former schools that no longer existed since the changes of the NAS logos.