Dear John,

Kids grow up fast and are excited for the future. But for many kids with autism, growing up can mean losing critical support. Every year an estimated 70,000 autistic adolescents leave high school and lose access to school-based services and support. Planning for their transition to adulthood needs to start well in advance of that day.

As our largest community fundraiser, the dollars raised at the Washington, DC Walk play a vital role in supporting people with autism of all ages, including autistic teens and adults. The funds raised by supporters like YOU, have helped to:

• Develop an employment system to support job seekers with autism, employers and communities
• Launch Pathways to Employment events in local communities across the nation
• Support Autism Speaks advocacy efforts to lower the required age to begin transition planning from 16 to 14. We don’t have every state yet, but we won’t stop until we do.

So please join us for this year’s Washington, DC Walk — you’ll make new friends, get valuable resources, share stories and it will be so much more fun with YOU there. Sensory-friendly activities provide a safe and comfortable day for the entire family. It’s a time to honor our loved ones with autism, bring our community together and celebrate your vital fundraising efforts that help ensure people with autism can live their lives to the fullest.

P.S. If you're not able to attend a Walk in person, no worries! There are plenty of ways you can join along at home or walk with your friends and family. Take your first step — sign up here.

P.P.S. Don't miss your chance to qualify for an entry to win an iPad Pro! Simply register and raise $25 online by September 17 and you'll be entered to win. You'll be surprised by how quickly donations come in when you start a Facebook Fundraiser from your Fundraising Center and update your Walk page with your personal story. Fundraising for the Autism Speaks Walk is fun, quick, and easy!