Henry received an official diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2005, shortly before he turned 4 years old. Our lives were changed forever. In 2008, we started the "HANK ROCKS" fundraising team for Autism Speaks. Since then, thanks in large part to the efforts of Autism Speaks, children are now routinely diagnosed with ASD by the age of 18 months. Research has shown that early intervention makes a big difference in the development of an individual on the autism spectrum, so that's huge. Therapies and interventions that weren't even contemplated in 2005 are now the norm -- thanks to Autism Speaks. Thanks to Autism Speaks, autism families can now access an Autism Response Team that will help them with getting a diagnosis, special education issues, and learning more about inclusion programs and adult services. 

Chief among Autism Speaks accomplishments are increased global awareness and inclusion, better understanding of the breadth and diversity of the autistic community, advocacy efforts to protect the rights of autistic individuals and increase access to services, support, and innovative research leading to more informed clinical knowledge and advancements in autism care.? Autism Speaks is dedicated to uniting with the community to amplify the voices and the needs of those on the spectrum, to accelerate solutions that provide faster, greater impact and ensure the highest quality services are available to all ? from early diagnosis and timely interventions to adult quality of life needs, including transition, employment, housing and health and wellness. In collaboration with the autistic community and organizations committed to serving autistic people, Autism Speaks  will focus relentlessly on mitigating barriers and pursuing innovative scalable solutions, greater education and access and the escalation of initiatives to address areas of greatest need.

Bottom line? It is a cause that we believe in.

The Mathias family is walking to raise funds for the mission of Autism Speaks, to fuel innovative research, and to make connections to critical lifelong supports and services for the autism community. Please support us by donating -- and help me to meet my fundraising goal. And if you'd like, go to the HANK ROCKS page and join our team! Help us make an impact for people living with autism!