My son Gabriel turned six on March 8, 2008. Instead of giving presents, I mailed out a letter to our family and friends asking that they visit the Autism Speaks website to make a donation and purchase puzzle piece pins. I asked that everyone wear them in March for Gabe and to keep the fact sheet that came with them in their pockets, so that when they were asked about their pins they could share information.
The response was overwhelming. Family, friends, teachers, even those who didn't know Gabriel that well all turned on their computers and made donations. They not only ordered pins, but hats, car magnets and other products as well. Many people have told me stories about strangers noticing their pins who shared their own stories about a child with autism in their lives. We raised over $400 for Autism Speaks and I couldn't be more proud. The more we spread the word, more people will become aware and understanding.
I love the Autism Speaks website and mission; it was a place for me to go when I thought I might go crazy trying to figure out why my son was different and why no one seemed to know how to help us. Gabe is now in a wonderful school and sees a special teacher two hours a day, plus a speech and language specialist. He is making a dramatic recovery and without your site I might have never gotten the help he needed. We will continue to raise money and spread the word.
If you have a story you wish to tell about choosing to donate to or raising money for Autism Speaks, we'd like to hear from you. Please e-mail us at editors@autismspeaks.org.