Healthcare and Medical News: Autism and COVID do not end on New Year’s Eve.

Dear Hcis,

As 2020 ends, so does my term as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of America. However, the critical work of the Autism Society continues, and we need your support today to make this happen.

While we flip our calendars to what we hope will be a more promising and joyful year, the autism community is still depending on the educational support resources, advocacy and community-building events that we have provided throughout this pandemic.

My most important role in life is as a father. My son David is highly impacted by autism. He needs assistance 24/7 - support that his mother, brother and sister, caregivers and I gladly give.

The education, advocacy, and resources that our family receive through the Autism Society is so very valuable to our family, and hopefully your family too. This is why I am asking for your support now before December 31st!

Self-advocates, including those with severe autism and their caregivers, know that the Autism Society always provides relevant information and referrals, offers guidance on current COVID-19 conditions for the autism community, and fights for our rights in the halls of Congress.

There is still time to be a part of this great effort with a gift now. Here is how your gift today helps the autism community:

$25 = 1 live episode of the Coronavirus Information Series with tens of thousands of viewers

$60 = 1 hour of advocacy for more federal relief funding and supports for the autism community

$100 = 1 COVID-19 social story development utilized by thousands of parents, professionals, and self-advocates

$150 = 15 people supported through the National Helpline with our trained Information & Referral specialists

It has been my privilege and honor to serve as the Chair of the Board for the past 4 and a half years. I look forward to continuing my work on the Board of Directors.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our mission. I wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays, and a healthy and hopeful New Year.

With Gratitude,

Joseph Joyce

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Autism Society of America

P.S. The CARES Act allows for a $300 deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions. This new provision affects the vast majority of taxpayers who do not itemize deductions. It is an "above the line" adjustment to income that will reduce a donor's adjusted gross income (AGI), and thus reduce their taxable income.

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Access our COVID-19 toolkit, or download COVID-19 related social stories; for those needing support, visit www.autism-society.org or please contact our National Helpline at 1(800)3-AUTISM, or via email at info@autism-society.org.