Top 4 Athletes Supporting the Autistic Community

1. Doug Flutie

Doug Flutie is an NFL star and father to Doug Jr., diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Flutie started up the Doug Flutie Foundation to support the work of community members as they raise awareness and create programs for kids on the spectrum.

2. Athletes Against Autism

NHL hockey players Olaf Kolzig, Byron DaFoe and Scott Mellanby are all fathers of sons with autism. They joined with Cure Autism Now to create Athletes Against Autism. Now, they're working to raise awareness and funds for autism research, treatment and education programs.

3. Dan Marino

Football player Dan Marino started up the Dan Marino Foundation with his wife to support several therapeutic organizations in Florida. His foundation also supports ChildNett TV, an Internet web channel dedicated to autism and other neurological disorders.

4.

Football player Merton Hanks is the father of a little girl on the autism spectrum -- and a supporter of autism fundraising projects. He's often seen walking for the cause, appearing at fundraisers, and otherwise making a difference.