New York, NY
February 6, 2007

Dear Friends:

Two years ago, my wife Suzanne and I founded Autism Speaks. Our mission, inspired and motivated by the diagnosis of our grandson Christian, was to bring awareness to what was then a quiet epidemic. I vowed to bring the principles of strategic vision, creative thinking and tactical discipline that had served me so well in my career at GE and NBC, to Autism Speaks, laying the groundwork for an organization whose purpose was to find the causes and a cure for autism, and to provide the thousands of affected families with viable treatments.

Today I announced that after a profound and rewarding 21 years at the helm of NBC Universal I was stepping down, and as planned, have passed the torch to a venerable colleague whom I have mentored and played a part preparing for the vast challenges ahead. I will remain active as the Vice-Chairman of GE, allowing me to play a decisive leadership role at the company, while also enabling me to devote more time to the growth and expansion of Autism Speaks.

The autism advocacy movement has entered a dynamic, new era. We are winning significant victories every day, in laboratories, in the media and on Capitol Hill. As we move boldly forward, I'm more energized and driven than ever before by all the possibilities we, as a community, have within our reach.

Bob Wright
Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board
Autism Speaks