Friends,

 Some of you know that the last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster for our family.  When Ashwin was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age three, we lost our fair share of sleep trying to imagine how life would look for him during the next few stages of childhood, early adulthood, and so on.  

But we were lucky to have received the right resources at the right time.  Due to the combination of support from our school district (OUSD); intensive speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy; and the careful prescription of the right medication from CHOC, our bright, spirited little boy is thriving and ready to show the world his zany personality.  

However, I am still losing sleep because I know that, for so many families, that perfect combination of intervention doesn't just fall into place.  The signs of autism aren't always obvious to the untrained eye, leading to late diagnoses and delayed treatments.  Even when a diagnosis is received, what follows is the navigation through wait lists, insurance authorizations, and lots of unanswered questions.  

That is why I need your help in supporting Autism Speaks, which is dedicated to getting support and resources to families that need them, so that every child with autism can reach their full potential.

If you are able to help, I'll be grateful.