Autism Speaks Charity Walk  (April 14)

Hi everyone!

On April 14, I’ll be participating in the Bay Area charity walk for Autism Speaks. It’s is an incredible organization that does some really impactful work including awareness, outreach, and treatment of autism.

On a global scale, autism affects over 24 million people (almost 1 in 1,000) and as of right now there is no known cure. It typically develops during childhood and stays with the individual for their entire life. The lives of these individuals and their families are often stressful, as the individual is categorized as “special needs” — and that term is incredibly accurate. Someone with autism might be incapable of interacting/communicating with the outside world in a “normal” way. Some high-functioning individuals (those who have been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, but have the communication skills of those without it) often say that they feel trapped in their own head, like they are hostages in their own bodies, unable to communicate their thoughts and desires with the world around them. As a writer, nothing is more personal to me than this sentiment.

In the words of Maya Angelou, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

Team Jennings: How You Can Help

If  you have the means and the inclination, please help out an amazing cause. The easiest way to do so is to follow this link and pledge your support for Team Jennings (super creative name, I know). Your money will go towards improving the quality of life of individuals who have a voice and deserve to be heard and understood. In my mind, I can’t think of any better cause.

And if you’re anywhere near the Bay Area in April and want to say hi, let me know! I’m game for lunch.

Thanks,

Dave

p.s. if you’re interested in finding out more about Autism, there are some amazing resources on the internet. There was a TED talk done by Daniel Tammet (who has also been featured in a BBC documentary called “The Boy with the Incredible Brain”), a high-functioning autistic savant. Tammet has been one of the most outspoken advocates for autism thanks to his unique situation (both his high functioning and his savant syndrome).

And Carly Fleischmann, a non-verbal woman with autism, did an amazing piece with People magazine.

And if you’re looking for more information on Autism Speaks (e.g. what they stand for, where the funds go, etc.) you can find it here.