I'm walking to raise funds for the mission of Autism Speaks and specifically for my nephew Matty Wallace.  Please donate to help fuel innovative research and make connections to critical lifelong supports and services for the autism community. 

The following is a letter from Matty's father Mark Wallace:

He turns 30.
I wrote my first letter soliciting funds for autism research in the Spring of 2000. Matty was turning 8 years old that August, and I was very excited and hopeful about participating in the first ever Pittsburgh Autism Walk and raising money for autism research. Ever since Matty started to regress and lose language at around two years old, I was haunted by what happened to him and hopeful that some day research would lead to a treatment or cure for him. So, since 2000, we have happily participated in every Pittsburgh Autism Walk. This year will be the 22nd walk. Our walk team, Marchers for Matty, through the generosity of so many wonderful friends and family; has raised well over $250,000 for autism research, awareness and advocacy.

Nevertheless, over the years a lot has changed. In 2000, autism was not nearly as prevalent and well understood as today. Services were harder to come by, and there were lots of battles to fight to get Matty what he needed to have a chance at a more normal life. Now autism is ubiquitous and, in places considered more a difference than a debilitating medical condition. Services are more widely available, more people understand autism, and most are very supportive.

Yet, the nature and magnitude of changes that have occurred over the past 20 years do raise questions as to whether or not our efforts were worth it. Ultimately, the question is whether our hard work to raise money really made a difference for Matty and people like him. In some ways, I think no. Matty is still not better. Medical science still doesn’t offer a full answer to why he was afflicted by a condition that profoundly impacted his life and ours. There is still no accepted treatment or a cure. Despite hours and hours of in-home therapy and 15 years in an autistic support classroom, he still struggles with basic self-care. He can’t read, write, and we don’t really know what he understands. Basically, he is still profoundly impaired. Moreover, with the expansion of the diagnosis definitions of autism and rise in self-advocacy, people like Matty on the more severe end of the spectrum who face real struggles have been marginalized and increasingly ignored. It seems as if their stories don’t fit the narrative that autism is a mere difference and not a life altering medical condition.

Matty will turn 30 years old this year, and although our dreams for him have not been fully realized, he has made progress and there are supports in place that allow him activities and opportunities for an engaging and meaningful life. Much of this has been a result of efforts of organizations such as Autism Speaks. Further, research does continue. Scientists are still looking for improved ways to treat and support people with autism. Research based medical and educational interventions have had some promising results and are emerging all the time. Also, because of increased awareness and acceptance of people with autism, even those who are severe like Matt integrate easier in society. Additionally, advocacy at all levels of government has led to more and better services; allowing people with autism more independence and enabling them to come closer to reaching their fullest potential.

Ultimately, I do think our efforts have been worth it and am proud of what the dollars we raised contributed to. The world is a better place for Matty and people like him because of what we have done over the years. The dollars we raised for research, awareness and advocacy have made a difference. Yet, the work is not done. We still want to hear Matty’s voice, we want him to have every opportunity to have a rich and meaningful life, to have his struggles acknowledged and respected, and to have a safe and secure future after we can no longer care for him. We want this for Matt and so many others that will come after him. So, we will continue to walk, raise money, and pray for Matty and people like him. Please consider joining us this year. The Walk is September 25th at Hartwood Acres at 10:00 am. We had it there last year and it was nice. If you can’t join us, please consider donating to our team. Your support has and will continue to make a difference for those like Matty. You can register to walk or donate using the links below or you can mail a check made out to Autism Speaks to me at 605 12th Street, Pitcairn, PA 15140. Thanks for support, encouragement, and prayers over these years.