Dear John,

This past year has been one unlike any other. But thanks to your
compassionate support and dedication to people with autism, Autism Speaks has
continued to keep working tirelessly in pursuit of a future in which
all people with autism can live life to the fullest.

In fact, over the past year, we've made great strides in our
research, support and advocacy initiatives. With your help, Autism
Speaks has been able to drive critical progress for the autism
community, such as:

* Funding hundreds of grants to autism families in need due to the
impact of the pandemic. Creating an online COVID-19 resources
page of evidence-based resources, which received more than 275,000
visits: [link removed]
* Prevalence of autism has, for the first time, reached the same
rate for both Black and white children.
* More children than ever before are receiving developmental
screening by age 3 - the result of decades of Autism Speaks awareness work.

None of this would have been possible without you - and you have
my sincere gratitude for the incredible impact you make every day in the lives of children and adults with
autism.

As a leader in our community, your partnership truly means so much.
If you haven't already, please share your feedback in our 2021
Donor Survey - it will only take a few minutes, and it helps us personalize
our communications to your interests. I look forward to hearing your
thoughts: [link removed]

I hope that you will be as inspired as I am by how much we have
accomplished together. Please know that it's your continued friendship bringing us closer to a world where all people with autism
can reach their full potential. Thank you.

Gratefully,
Angela Geiger
President and CEO
Autism Speaks

HELPFUL LINKS & STORIES

A Study on a Challenging Year: Our Autism and COVID-19 Special Report

A Study on a Challenging Year: Our Autism and COVID-19 Special R
The profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the autism community
have been studied and documented in Autism Speaks' COVID-19 and Autism: Impact on Needs, Health, and Healthcare Costs
special report. It contains valuable, timely insights and information
that will inform our efforts to advocate for comprehensive support
policies for people with autism and their families, and help families
make better plans and decisions. Learn more here: [link removed]

Leaving a Legacy of Kindness

You have the power today to make an impact on the mission of Autism
Speaks for years to come, without sacrificing your current income
through legacy giving. Whether you leave a gift in your will
or trust or by placing Autism Speaks as a remainder beneficiary on
your financial account(s) including Donor Advised Funds, your future
legacy of kindness can be tailored to fit your needs and preferences
today: [link removed]

In fact, when you make a plan for your legacy giving, you can:

* Change your beneficiaries or gift amount at any time.
* Maintain your current financial situation.
* Give anonymously, or in tribute of someone special.
* Be part of building a brighter future for the autism community.

For the 1 in 54 children and the 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. who are
impacted by autism, you can make a future leadership gift that will
change lives ? at no cost to you today. Make your legacy to help
all people with autism reach their full potential. Contact your
financial advisor, attorney, or one of our Legacy Giving
representatives directly at (646)-385-8699 or by email at
[email protected] to get started today. You can also visit this page to learn more about what giving options are right for you:
[link removed]

Donor Spotlight: Meet Dea L.

Dea L. is working to create a brighter future for her nephew Zachary ― and making a lasting impact on the autism community in more ways than one. Read their story and learn why she's inspired to give here: [link removed]

Customize your Information Needs with the New My Autism Guide

Whether you're looking for more information, community
connection, or trusted resources, the Autism Speaks' new My
Autism Guide is available for everyone at [link removed]

People on the spectrum, family members, educators and even healthcare
professionals looking for support are encouraged to check out this
free, virtual resource guide for personalized support: [link removed]

Make an Impact through the Spectrum Society

You can make a meaningful impact on the lives of countless families
affected by autism when you give through your will, trust or other
estate giving vehicles plans ? and when you do, you'll be
invited to join an elite, committed group of compassionate individuals
as a member of the Spectrum Society.

As a member of the Spectrum Society, you'll receive:

* Invitations to exclusive local, regional, and national events,
including educational experiences led by autism experts.
* Hot off the presses updates on Autism Speaks news and
achievements.
* Annual reports on the impact and performance of Autism Speaks.

And most importantly, you will make an impact in the lives of people
on the spectrum by helping us provide care and support to families
affected by autism, as well as advance innovative research and
advocacy. Take the first step today by contacting your financial
advisor or our Autism Speaks philanthropy directors at (646)-385-8699
or by email at [email protected].

Or, you can visit this page to put your gift to work right away: [link removed]

Researcher Profile: Dr. Brittany Hand

Dr. Brittany Hand is a committed friend to the autism community and is
helping young adults and teenagers with autism transition into
adulthood. As an Autism Speaks funded researcher, her recent work
looks closely into the success of children and teenagers with autism
who receive support from Ohio State University's Center for
Autism Services and Transition - and you can read more about her work here: [link removed]

New! Transition Roadmaps for Teens and Young Adults

Transitioning from adolescence to adulthood can be difficult for
people with autism and their families ? but Autism Speaks'
new Transition Roadmaps make it easier. Whether you're looking
at higher education, finding the right job, or searching for a new
place to call home, these free, digital guides offer a step-by-step
plan to support teens and young adults with autism transition into
adulthood. Check out our Post-Secondary Education ([link removed] , Employment ([link removed] , and Housing Transition Roadmaps to learn more: [link removed]

In Person Walks are Back!

Autism Speaks Walks are back, and we want you to join us! Step by
step, we can deliver even more resources and support, fund innovative
research and advocate for a world where all people with autism can
reach their full potential. Register today and find your local Walk
event: [link removed]




Autism Speaks | 1060 State Road 2nd Floor | Princeton, NJ
08540
© 2021 Autism Speaks Inc.

Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Design are registered trademarks
owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.



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