The Māori definition of Autism is "In one's own time and space".

It’s hard to believe, but it’s already been a year since Declan was diagnosed with level 2 Autism. We could not be more proud of the AMAZING progress he has made over this past year! He’s hit so many milestones, had to work through some difficult transitions, and say goodbye to some wonderful teachers and therapists along the way. 

Declan is up to four days a week of ABA therapy, one day a week of speech therapy, and will be starting pre-school in the Fall, and luckily, all these incredibly important services will continue through the school year. He is still non-verbal, but we hear more and more sounds and words everyday. We truly could not be more hopeful for what’s to come in his future! 

If you are able to contribute to something so important and meaningful to our family, we would be incredibly grateful! 

Love,
Matt, Jamie, Declan, and Collin 

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Today, over 70 million children and adults are affected by autism. Each of them, have unique strengths, challenges and potential. Autism Speaks will be there for them. You and I can be too.

It’s only through the dedicated support of people like us that Autism Speaks can continue their vital mission work. Each year, the Autism Speaks Autism Response Team makes direct contact with tens of thousands of individuals looking for advice or guidance and more than one million people access their free nationwide autism services and resources. They continue to partner and support research to improve the lives of people with autism by investing in science that will allow more personalized treatments and therapies. You can find out even more about where your fundraising dollars go at autismspeaks.org/our-work.

Please join me by donating to help me reach my fundraising goal. Together, we have the power to enhance the lives of people with autism and make a meaningful difference. Thanks so much for your support!