Dear Family and Friends,

I am supporting Autism Speaks for my Mitzvah project in preparation for becoming a Bat Mitzvah on January 23, 2021.
Autism Speaks is a world autism support organization. The group is dedicated to helping people with autism live better lives in every way possible. This means so much to me, because I have Asperger’s syndrome, a high functioning form of autism.
When I was younger, I would struggle in everyday social situations, and it was difficult to develop friendships. With the help of my parents, friends, and teachers, I worked on learning how to act in awkward situations, and how to calm myself down when I’m having a sensory overload. I’ve always had trouble with the inevitable changes in life, especially if I’m not notified in advance, and it’s extremely hard for me to live without structure in my life. It’s taken me some time to understand myself and my needs, and I’m thankful to have the insight I need to function well.
My experiences having autism have helped me become the person I am today. Despite the challenges I’ve had, I still wouldn’t trade it for the world. The understanding I gained from my personal experiences have helped me become a better person, and develop strong friendships. I want to donate to Autism Speaks so I can help others like me get the help and resources they need. I want to make sure everyone on the spectrum knows that despite our everyday challenges, we can succeed in the world as well as everyone else. It’s hard to understand exactly what a person with autism needs, and Autism Speaks provides tools for success.
Please support me in becoming a Bat Mitzvah by donating to Autism Speaks. I greatly appreciate your generosity! 

Sincerely,
Rivi