What Autism Means To Me

It's Time To Listen.

 My twin brother David is not like other children. He would rather sit alone in a corner flapping a sock in his hands than socializing with peers, including me. He communicates in a basic way by pointing to pictures and using the little sign language he knows because he can't form words to tell me what he wants. He gets stuck in odd behavior patterns like pushing everything to the back of counters...even if they fall off the other side. My twin brother David has autism.

 Autism is a brain disorder that interferes with a person's ability to socialize, complete daily tasks, communicate, and play. Many people with autism have repetitive behaviors. My brother flaps his hands a lot, always does certain things before he leaves a room, always makes sure the door is closed, and much more. One in every 110 people is born with autism. Another person with autism is born every twenty minutes. Very little is known about the causes of autism so there is no way to prevent the disorder. Most people with autism will need some kind of help throughout their entire lives. Autism services cost the country $35 billion a year. Autism has had a major impact on my life and the lives of many others, which is why I am fighting for a cure.

 My name is Rebecca Ackerman and I am sixteen years old. I started raising money for autism research when I was eleven years old. That was the first year I decided to participate in the nearby Walk for Autism. I captained the team of classmates I organized and set off to raise money in any way I could think of. My team and I had an unbelievable number of bake sales, went door to door, wrote to friends and family for donations, held a lemonade stands, and in later years had a car wash, garage sales, and merchandise tables at events. By my fourth year participating in the walk I decided to join the planning committee. This gave me a chance to further my commitment to fundraising and help newly developed teams find their way. Each year I walk I feel more and more connected to my brother despite his limited ability to connect with me. I walk to show my love for him and because I believe I can help him and make a difference for all families affected by autism. I put all my love for my brother into my team name, which is Doing It For Dave. 
I need your help to advance autism research and make this year as successful as can be. Just think of all the lives you can change.


                             http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org

                                                                          By, Rebecca Ackerman