Please join me in my efforts to support Autism Speaks!
My exceptional stepdaughter, Lizzie, is autistic. Neil retells the story of how her development seemed to halt at age 2 as she suddenly became completely nonverbal - I can't imagine how scary that must have been. Since I have had the honor of getting to know her, I realized quickly that nobody works harder than Lizzie. She attends school all day and comes home to hours of grueling BCBA therapy, which she does with joy. When our other three children are basically goofing off all summer on field trips and tennis courts, Lizzie hustles hard at camps tailored for autistic children that are packed with challenging occupational and academic therapy. As a result of all of her hard work, her manners are pristine. She is respectful, an impeccable rule follower, and always says a prayer before each meal with a grateful heart. She approaches everyday life with thoughtfulness, humor, and ease that may be otherwise out of her reach if she hadn't been so devoted to her therapy since she was 2. My dad first spent time with her this fall and his words stick with me - "Lizzie is a breath of fresh air." She teaches us all to appreciate small things that may come so easily to some of us yet may be incredibly challenging for others. She is the perfect example of how God created us all differently, and how we all have so much to offer and must remain empathetic and kind to those who are different. We are all incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to love and learn from Lizzie, and I am thrilled to raise money - with your help - for an organization that makes Lizzie's incredible successes more accessible to all children and adults with autism.
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. They empower people with autism and their families with resources, online tools and information covering the life span.
Autism Speaks enhances lives today and is accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.
Thank you for helping me reach my goal. Your support is greatly appreciated!
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