Hello! My name is Tyler Haynes and I am an Autism Speaks Champion of Change. I was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and work hard to prove doubters wrong. With strong support systems and Autism Speaks as a resource and guide over the years, I am thriving! 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. As an Autism Speaks Champion of Change, I work with others to decrease barriers experiences by individuals with autism, lift their voices, and showcase their potential!

I recently graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) Succeed Program, successfully held a job at the UMSL Recreation and Wellness Center as a guest services attendant, and now work as an Alumni Assistant and office support team member in the UMSL Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (OIPE). While in college, I lived independently in the dorm, made tons of friends and participated in numerous programs and activities! I even became a member of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and remain active. 

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!