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Dear Marshall, You, not so very long ago, contributed to our work. I want to thank you on behalf of all the people we help. I hope this New Year finds you in good health. I hope we will be able to count on you again in 2015. We have changed over the years as the challenges of those affected by autism have changed. And so I'm going to tell you about Joseph, about his journey. About never giving up. About what giving to the Autism Society means for someone like Joseph. Joseph is 30 years-old. He is non-verbal. He is very significantly impacted by his autism. When he was a boy, his mother, Marie, made sure he got all the services he was eligible for as required by law. She was an amazing advocate for her son. But after high school, the support disappeared. And he and Marie fell into a bureaucratic black hole. What could Joseph do? What could Marie do to help Joseph continue to have opportunities to improve his life? Because he is significantly affected, Joseph's choices seemed limited. Unlike most people affected by autism, it did not seem that a higher education was possible. Nor was employment. Joseph was turning into a grown man. And Marie wondered what would become of him. Marie isn't the only parent who has faced the challenge of navigating her child from childhood to adulthood. A significant increase in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the 1980s and 1990s has led to a dire need for more systems of support during the transition into adulthood regardless of how they are impacted by their autism. That's what your gift will help us do. We will provide that support for children affected by autism in building independent living skills, in going to college, in getting training for employment, in being a productive and fulfilled adult. Marie knows that without us, many parents like her would not know where to turn… they just wouldn't have the resources only we can provide them. And who is hurt most by that? People like Joseph. So what would become of Joseph? Didn't he deserve the very best life possible? In those days, Joseph's choices were limited. In pursuit of the best possible life for Joseph, Marie came to understand that he couldn't live at home anymore. And so after the very long process of finding the right situation, Marie and Joseph decided on a community housing option for Joseph where he would be safe and where he could get the support he needed. This was the most painful, heartbreaking decision she ever had to make for Joseph. But Marie knew it was the right decision. Once Joseph moved into his new home he didn't sleep for a month. He cried hour-after-hour. He just couldn't understand what was happening. But with constant visits from Marie, and constant care from the home's staff, Joseph's quality of life improved. Today he is a happy man. And he is becoming more independent and increasing his quality of life as an adult each day. "A happy man." Those words are so sweet for Marie. She wishes, however, that there had been more options for Joseph at the time and today she is proud that the Autism Society is working tirelessly to change systems and provide opportunities which will help those like Joseph take control of their lives and ensure caregivers like Marie and people living with autism, like Joseph have more options and means to help those affected find ways to improve their quality of life. She knows how tough it is to get there. And she knows how important our grassroots network of nationwide affiliates is. Especially for adults who are significantly affected by their autism. Unless a family can pay for private care and support (which very, very few can), they must apply for state support – money that comes from the government. That often can take years and if help is obtained, it is often limited at best. So, without the Autism Society, adults like Joseph would likely not be helped. Without the Autism Society, so many adults now wouldn't have the opportunities of life for a quality job, housing options, money management, social skill support and so much more. Today, like so many others, Marie is actively helping the Autism Society meet the challenges faced by individuals like her and Joseph. We can only help if you find it in your heart to give. Whatever you can. Every dollar helps fund the services we provide, the research we sponsor, our advocacy with state and federal governments. So please, please give. Please help the next Joseph live the life he deserves. Sincerely, Scott Badesch President/CEO  P.S. Our mission is to improve the lives of all affected by autism. And that means our services and programs must help people today. From the parent of a newly diagnosed child who doesn't know where to turn, to the sibling of an adult on the spectrum who now finds himself in the position of primary caregiver -- we must help. If you need assistance or know someone who does, please call out 7 day a week, 12 hour a day, Contact Center at 1-800-3-AUTISM. I am asking you to give today as you have so generously before. Thank you from my heart. | |
Friday, January 16, 2015
Fw: What about Joseph?
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