I've got some exciting news, John, so I want you to hear it straight from me:

Yesterday's one-day 3X flash match to support autistic folks and especially autistic jobseekers this October was a HUGE success! Our big-hearted Autism Speaks family really came through, so to celebrate and maximize the real-world impact this National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the 3X match will now CONTINUE until the end of the month!

We did that, team!! I couldn't be prouder and know that we'll take serious advantage of this extended 3:1 MATCH offer: If you can, give NOW to make three times the impact for people with autism, their loved ones and their communities and workplaces.

I never fail to be inspired by our donors and long-time advocates, the same way that the courage, persistence and imagination of people with autism never fail to motivate all of us to build a more inclusive, understanding world. Ambitious go-getters like Kaitlyn Y. from St. Louis — whose family has been involved with Autism Speaks since we opened our doors! — remind me how much our society has to gain by welcoming in autistic individuals with open arms, minds and hearts.

Kaitlyn, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, is now 23 and an integral part of her family's small business: a charming, accepting, do-it-yourself craft studio franchise. She helps out in a variety of ways in the workshop and brings smiles to their customers' faces — and makes plenty of time for volunteering, personal development classes, theater and music, sports and conditioning AND of course fun times with friends!

John, only 1 in 5 people with disabilities, including autistic people like Kaitlyn, are currently employed, despite having the hard skills and strong desire to work. We won't stop working until every person on the spectrum who wants a job has one, and right now, you can make 3X the impact in reaching that goal!

Give now to see your gift matched 3:1 to support autistic jobseekers and autistic dreamers in communities across the country:

Thanks for stepping up,

Josh Cobbs
Director, Employment Initiatives