Hello! I'm Jerry, the Giant Frog, the official mascot of the Autism Society of Alabama. Why a Frog? I often ask myself that because "it's not easy being green." FROGS=For Research, Outreach and Giving Support to the autism and asperger syndrome community. My job at the Society is to promote acceptance and understanding for those living with autism throughout the state. I've covered quite a bit of territory since coming on board three years ago. People know me! But most importantly, I'm helping a cause which now affects 1 in every 150 individuals. That's waaay too many. In my opinion, ONE is waaay too many. It's more than a number … that ONE is someone's child, grandchild, nephew, niece, cousin, or friend. There's no known cause or cure  for this brain disorder, but hopefully through more awareness and funding, we'll change that.

Your donation and support allows the Society to continue to provide semi-annual camp experiences designed to meet the unique needs of children with ASD. Handwriting Without Tears training courses are provided for therapists and teachers statewide. This program is designed to foster a child's ability to communicate through written expression. The Autism Society distributes First Signs Screening Kits to Pediatricians and Early Interventionists in hopes of reducing the age at which children in Alabama are first identified (average age 5 years, 6 months). Special education workshops, the annual Alabama Autism Conference and Adventures in Autism are also programs sponsored in part by the Autism Society.

I want you to know that the Autism Society is often the first place a family calls when they have concerns about their child's development or when their child is first diangosed. It's important that our organization continues to grow so that we can better meet the needs of these special individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and those who may soon be affected, as every 10 minutes a child is being diagnosed with autism.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

 Form a team, set up a fundraising page like this and email it to your family and friends, put a sign in your yard, a jar on your desk at work to collect change, or just show up and walk for our cause.  Many families have a special fundraising page honoring their loved ones that you may wish to support.  Jerry's page is another option for those who want to donate and may not have a family member or friend with a page...and just want to support our cause.

I would like to invite you to join in the WALKS being held in 11 cities in Alabama. I hope you'll join us at one of these locations:  Alex City, Ashland, Auburn, Birmingham, Cullman, Dothan, Florence, Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa … Walking To Solve The Puzzle, ONE step at a time.