John,

If you’ve followed our last few emails, you know we’ve been talking about the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention in improving outcomes for people with autism. Research shows that early action makes a world of difference.

But there are many reasons most children are still diagnosed after age 4, sometimes much later, even though autism can be reliably detected at 24 months and sometimes even younger. Let’s start with the fact that there is no medical test for autism. It cannot be diagnosed with a blood panel, MRI or other medical test.

If parents are not aware of the signs of autism, it can cost them time when every minute counts.

They naturally judge their child by typical developmental standards and their child’s healthcare provider’s advice. In many areas, there is little access to specialists who are trained in autism care and for families who don’t speak English, help can be even farther away.

On average, autism costs a family an additional $60,000 a year, with much of the cost in special services and lost wages to one or both parents. Understandably, lower income families are at an even greater disadvantage.

Time plays a critical role in overcoming the many barriers to early treatment.

This is why Autism Speaks puts such a strong focus on early diagnosis and timely intervention. It’s also why, John, we work so relentlessly to inspire you to help hard-working families have access to the resources and support they need for their loved ones with autism.

If we can all come together to meet this $250,000 matching challenge, it vastly improves our ability to help children, teens and adults with autism and their families overcome the considerable obstacles that slow access to the support they need when they need it most.

John, thank you for caring about children and adults in the autistic community. I’m sure you see why this Season of Giving opportunity to DOUBLE your gift today helps even more. Please, give now.

P.S. If you’ve already donated, thank you. We’re updating our records now. If you haven’t had a chance, you only have a limited time to see your gift multiplied 2X to provide twice as many meaningful services.