John,

Meet Ashley, a courageous woman whose adult diagnosis helped her embrace her inner potential and put her voice to work.

"I personally knew I was autistic all my life," she says. "Teachers definitely knew something was different about me. I didn't have a lot of words to start conversations, so I was often lonely. In my late 20s I searched for a good psychologist to finally give me a professional test and sure enough, I was mildly autistic — I had Asperger’s Syndrome."

For Ashley, knowledge is part of her power.

"I'm still learning my brain and how I look at life and other people," Ashley shares. "I have a unique memory, which I feel is due to my autism. I love it about me very much! I am at peace knowing who I really am."

As you learn more about Ashley’s story, I hope you’re inspired to make a gift to Autism Speaks. Your generosity makes so many things possible, providing access to vital resources, research breakthroughs, connections, and life-changing opportunities.

"My teachers didn't know to test me for autism," Ashley recalls. "They assumed I didn’t have autism because of my black skin, my gender and because I didn't rock or hand flap. My goal is to let the world know that autism is not just a white male disorder. I'm a self-advocate for myself and others with autism."

You can help young adults like Ashley find their place in the world and speak out for themselves. Your generosity gives autistic people the tools they need to create their own best lives. You’ll be funding resources for housing and community living, employment, health and medical, financial planning, family support and therapies. Providing all people with autism the tools they need to create their own best lives.

John, your gift today supports everyone with autism in raising their voice and telling their story, increasing our common understanding, and moving toward a more inclusive, accepting world.