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.
• 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.

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

A study on a challenging year: Our autism and COVID-19 special report

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.

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.

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 autismspeaks.org/gifts-leave-legacy to learn more about what giving options are right for you.

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.

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 guide.autismspeaks.org. 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.

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 autismspeaks.org/gifts-leave-legacy to put your gift to work right away.

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.

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, Employment, and Housing Transition Roadmaps to learn more.

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!