Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support-- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too! The donations go directly to the Autism Society of America and The Grodin Center of RI. This is one personal story on why Autism requires assistance!
As few of you may know, my son, Douglas, is within the Autism Spectrum. He has Asperger's Spectrum Disorder. It's becoming more and more difficult to find programs available to assist breaking him out of his shell that is so difficult for him to emerge. To look at his picture you would say, "Hey, that's a handsome young man." He is a handsome young man; but with difficulties with Adult Daily Living skills (ADL), more often than not, difficulty reading social cues, and severe anxiety, and more. I do not see Asperger's as a disorder; I see Asperger's as a different way to communicate. We ALL have our strengths and weaknessess and need to learn to strengthen our weaknesses to be a more balanced human being. Well, sometimes, some os us, have more difficulty with the balancing act than others. Some people are aware of their own issues and don't realize they need help, a rock, a supporter for guidance. Douglas requires assistance in many areas, health, hygiene, appropriate social opportunities and more to help him blossom and grow.
Because Douglas would be considered "different" from societal norms adults, children, strangers, and even friends have poked fun, bullied, and stay away from Douglas. It's a sad sight to watch as your child secludes himself more and more. Douglas has been beaten down for YEARS verbally with words such as "freak", and randomly assualted (literally locked in a locker when he was involved in a summer camp), held at knife point, punched in the back of the head only to fly into the pavement and break his chin open to the bone, and more). Sounds unreal -surreal, doesn't it? How do you think Douglas feels locking it all up on the inside? This isn't just bullying. This is bullying due to discrimination and not just by his peers throughout the years, but adults too!
Traditional therapy is great for those who prefer it. But for some one like Douglas, he needs to be around others "like him" to feel comfortable right now ("like him" meaning people with Aspergers). He had an awesome opportunity through the Groden Center with The Job Club! It offerred clinical, as well as job readiness, appropriate behavioral skills, and the like. It was wonderful while it lasted. The program was pulled due to cut backs. It was brand new and had people on a waiting list. transportion has been pulled due to cutbacks through the program he is involved with today.
Douglas, and others within the spectrum need your help. Please, should there even be a second thought? What if it were your child? Your nephew or grandchild? What if it were your neighbors child? What would it take to give up 20+ dollars for the month for a good cause?!
Many claim they have no money or time to donate but then write about or mention how often you order out, eat lunch or dinner out, buy expensive ice cream or jewelry and go on vacation. How much you drank at a cash bar or go to the movies! I'm in the working poor class and I can find the money to donate for a good cause..wish I could donate to ALL the great causes out there. This is a thought that shouldn't have to be...a second thought. You have time to be on the computer, so, click donate. How long could it possibly take?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Please share this with everyone and anyone you know. The only way to collect funding, volunteers, and spread the word is to make this go viral!
Let's help this cause. One penny from a million people adds up! : )