My name is AJ, and I have autism. To the world, I might seem a little different — but to me, I’m just AJ! A fun, loving, and silly little boy who loves to play and have fun.

I learn and process things in my own way, but that doesn’t mean I’m not capable. Just because I can’t always communicate doesn’t mean I can’t hear what’s said to me — or about me. I wish the world would take more time to understand kids and people like me. That’s why I’m fundraising and participating in the Autism Speaks Power Walk — to raise awareness so kids like me can continue to thrive in a world that isn’t always built for us.

It's only through the dedicated support of people like YOU 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.