Dear Autism Speaks Community,
As the current and incoming chairs of the Autism Speaks Board of
Directors, we're reaching out to tell you we are thinking of
you, and we are here for you.
Both of us are fathers to sons on the spectrum, and we know that these
are challenging times for our community. Disrupted routines, changes
in access to services and the uncertainty of what's to come can
be extremely taxing. We're doing our best to approach each day
with kindness and compassion - and we know that we will get through
this together.
We want to share an update on what the team at Autism Speaks is doing
to help our community weather this storm. We can assure you that the
entire Autism Speaks staff - from leadership to employees at every
level - is unrelenting in their dedication to fulfilling the mission.
1. The Autism Response Team remains a resource for all families
in our community, and we encourage you to reach out if you are
in need of assistance: [link removed]
email:
[email protected]
We are available to answer calls, emails and online chat. As
specific inquiries come in, we are listening and learning in
real time to make information and content available. We are
also implementing measures for ongoing follow-up to ensure the
community feels supported throughout this time.
2. We have created a centralized hub for resources for families
and individuals on the spectrum: COVID-19 Information and
Resources: [link removed]
This page is updated regularly as new content is developed,
including with video resources to guide individuals and
families.
3. Connect with us on social media: for tips, tools,
resources and inspiration.You will find daily posts that
include news, information and people in the autism community
sharing their stories. Connect with us on:
Facebook: [link removed]
Instagram: [link removed]
LinkedIn: [link removed]
4. We offer financial support. We are offering Autism Speaks
Cares Grants to people with autism and their
families/caregivers who are in need of financial help with
groceries, childcare/respite, medication or therapy as a
result of COVID-19. Contact the Autism Response Team for more information: [link removed]
5. We continue to develop new resources that will be freely
available. We're doing this by engaging with national
and international partners for learnings and best practices;
convening experts across the public health sector; and
activating our field and outreach teams to engage families
directly.
We care deeply about the well-being of our community, and we urge
everyone to follow best practices to stay safe and healthy during this
time. We know that these are challenging times, but we will get
through this together - we are here for you.
With kindness, gratitude and hope,
Brian Kelly, Chairman, Autism Speaks Board of Directors
Brian Harper, Incoming Chairman, Autism Speaks Board of Directors
Autism Speaks | 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor | New York, NY
10016
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owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.
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