Dear John,

As a professor of special education at Adelphi University, I know more than a thing or two about supporting autistic people. But my experience with autism started long before I entered the field of education, all the way back to when I was just 18 months old.

That’s when I was struck with, what I like to call, the “autism bomb.” All at once, I lost my ability to communicate, isolated myself from the world around me, and had frequent meltdowns. That was back in the 1960s, when a diagnosis of autism was tantamount to a life sentence in an institution.

But unlike many at the time, my parents did something extraordinary: they not only accepted me for who I was, but also took the time to really get to know me — my strengths, interests, triggers — to understand how they could help me grow and live a fulfilling life.

My parents’ dedication is what inspired me to make advocating for the autism community my life’s work, and why I was proud to join the board at Autism Speaks in 2015. Since then, I have personally witnessed how services like the Caregiver Skills Training Program empower parents like mine with the guidance they need to meet their child’s unique needs.

Autism Speaks’ mission to advance research, counter misinformation, and connect people on the spectrum with vital support helps thousands of families navigate the challenges and opportunities of living with autism every year. With the support of caring folks like you, we are helping to shift society’s perception of autism such that it is no longer a life sentence.

Anyone who has or loves an autistic person knows we can go on for hours talking about our interests, and that’s especially true for me. But I know you’re busy, so I’ll leave you with this: With the right support, people with autism and their families — regardless of their circumstances — have unlimited potential.

With your help, Autism Speaks can unlock that potential for everyone in the autism community. Please consider lending your support with a 3X-matched gift today.

All the best,

	Dr. Stephen Shore Board Member, Autism Speaks Clinical Associate Professor, Ammon School of Education, Adelphi University