The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism was established in 1998 by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, whose personal experience of raising a son on the autism spectrum inspired their passion to help other families. Autism is a neurological disorder that impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Autism affects 1 in 68 children and is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., costing families an average of $60,000 per year.