My twin sons, Jonathan and Joel, were first diagnosed with autism at 22 months old. They are now 8 years old and over the years we have faced many challenges. The severity of the diagnosis for us is evident in that they are nonverbal, they elope and do not understand danger, boundaries, safety, or consequences, they struggle socially and emotionally, they are developmentally around 4 years old, they struggle with potty training and various every day living skills. There are still behavioral concerns and other medical concerns such as ADHD, ARFID, OCD, PANS, digestive issues and so on that are difficult to diagnose because it is difficult for most people to look past “autism.” Medical professionals have told us that we are getting to the point where they may never develop their speech and they may never learn to live independently. It is a painful and heartbreaking reality that we face day in and day out. Aside from their own needs, there is also a tremendous lack of support, resources, and community available to us, the parents, that face so much of these challenges alone. Mental health takes a toll. Quality of life takes a toll. Increase in research, science, support, resources, and community engagement is what I personally advocate for, and why my family is a part of Autism Speaks. 

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 their families to make a meaningful difference. Thanks so much for your support!