Some of you know our story, some of you may not. My son was diagnosed as ASD and ADHD when he was 7 years old. (often children diagnosed with ASD tend to be diagnosed with ASHD or some other varying neurodivergence). At the time, there weren't many resources or information available to guide parents (especially a young single mom) through this world. In fact, I distinctly remember, the day we received the diagnosis, the doctor who delivered the news, said "we're not really sure what to call it. It's not that he's officially being diagnosed autistic, but it's not that he's not. He's on the spectrum, but the spectrum is loosely defined at the moment". "What does that mean"? I asked. The doctor suggested I meet with another doctor. The university I was at was considered world renowned for its' advancements in the neurology field. Where else was I going to go if they didn't know what to do? 

While our road was rocky, we have come a long way since that day. My son is now 17 and preparing for college. He received a more official ASD diagnosis from his neurologist and have made significant strides to better understand how his brain processes information. As we prepare for the next stage (he'll be 18 in a few months), I think of how far the world has come in providing support to the ASD community and how far we still have to go. 

Today, over 70 million children and adults are affected by autism. Each of them, have unique strengths, challenges and potential. Autism Speaks will be there for them. You and I can be too.

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