A big thank you

Your regular donation to The National Autistic Society means

so much to us. Thanks to you, we can plan ahead and spend

your money wherever we find the greatest need, so that children

and adults living with autism can have healthier, happier lives.

As a registered charity, we rely on your kindness and generosity

to carry on our work.

So we really can’t thank you enough.

...from the people you’re helping

1. More than half a million people in the UK have autism

(that’s 1 in 100).

2. Autism is a hidden disability and every person with autism

is different.

3. Children with autism grow up into adults with autism.

4. People with autism struggle to communicate and make

sense of the world around them.

5. Without the right support, autism can have a profound

- even devastating - effect on individuals and families.

Five things you might not know about autism

Illustration by D

arshan, The National A

utistic Society

A bit about our work> 6 schools supporting more than 500 children with autism

> An Autism Helpline that answers over 50,000 enquiries a year

> A network of more than 500 befrienders

> 49 social groups for adults with autism and Asperger syndrome

> 525 people with autism supported in finding and keeping a job

> Residential services for 250 adults with autism

> 2,000 families finding the right education for their child each year

> 91 branches across the UK and more opening all the time

> Continual campaigning for a better world for people with autism.

Illustration by D

arshan, The National A

utistic Society

Em’s story“People ask me what I most want for Em and I say for her to have

one friend at school. When you have children you assume they will

have similar childhood experiences to you, like having friends and

playing out. It’s heartbreaking as a parent to realise these things

won’t happen for your child. It’s the exclusion she experiences

because of her condition that’s the most upsetting for her, so to

be part of something is such a huge relief.

At the NAS Bristol out-of-school club she doesn’t have to pretend.

She can have her meltdowns, or odd ways and no one cares.

For that I’m incredibly grateful. I really can’t thank the NAS and all

the people who support their work enough.” Tracey, Em’s mum

Nathan’s story“With The NAS employment service, it’s personal. We talk about

bands and about London. They’re knowledgeable. They know

about you. My NAS support worker said I was brilliant with

database work and got me a job in the charity department

at Goldman Sachs. They were really pleased because I exceeded

their targets. It was great. You get up in the morning and you feel

important. You’re actually making a difference.

I’m doing so much with my music too - I’ve just released a single

called ‘Girl on the Spectrum’ so if you ever get a spare six and a

half minutes you can watch the video at www.nathanpersad.com”

Nathan Persad

We did it!Together with our supporters, we led a campaign that

got the Government to take action for people with autism.

Our joint effort resulted in the Autism Act 2009 and

a new strategy to support the needs of adults with autism.

Help us keep autism on the agenda at

www.autism.org.uk/campaign

> We’ll spend your donations where they’re needed most,

making use of every penny (97p in every pound is spent directly

on our work to improve the lives of people with autism).

> We won’t bombard you with requests for more donations.

> We’ll respect whether you want to be contacted by email,

phone or post.

> We’ll do everything in our power to make the world better

for people living with autism.

You’ve already done something great by agreeing

to help us change the lives of people with autism.

Committing to a long-term regular donation really is one

of the best and most cost-effective ways to support our work.

In the next week or so you’ll get a letter from us to confirm

your bank details and the date of your first donation.

Just check they’re correct and that’s it – all done.

Our promise to youYour regular donation

Here are just some of the different ways to support us.

> Volunteer as a befriender in your area

> Get sponsored to run 10k with friends

> Become a member and be first to get our news

> Email your MP about our latest campaign

> Hold a tea party at home or work to raise money

> Pin up or pass on the postcard on the back page.

Get involved at www.autism.org.uk/supportus

Get in touchIf you want to talk about your regular donation,

you can call our supporter team on 0870 233 4040

or email fundraising@nas.org.uk

If you want advice and information about autism,

you can call our Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004

or visit www.autism.org.uk/enquiry

Tell friends and family

Helping people living with autism to have healthier, happier lives.

History of a woman behind a wall

Clare, age 49, has Asperger syndrome

and was a winner of The National Autistic Society’s

recent Creativity Competition.

Do something to help people living with autism today:

www.autism.org.uk/supportus

The National Autistic Society, a charity registered in England and Wales (269425) and in Scotland (SC039427)

Pin this p

ostcard

up o

r pass it o

n to a friend

to raise aw

areness of autism

.