GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity that encourages people to do good. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, volunteering their time or giving to causes—everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.

GivingTuesday falls on November 29 this year and we hope you will consider giving to Washington Autism Alliance. You can make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and related intellectual and developmental disabilities by supporting our programs and services.

5 Ways to Give to the Washington Autism Alliance on GivingTuesday and Beyond

1. Give - WAA relies on the generous contributions of our community to make all our work possible. Learn about making a financial donation, matching gifts, or purchasing items on our wishlist. 
2. Volunteer – Learn the benefits of volunteering and view our current areas where your help is most needed. 
3. Spread the Word – Be a champion for WAA by organizing an event, hosting a donation drive, or sharing about us through your social networks.
4. Become a Legislative Advocacy Ambassador – Help WAA educate lawmakers in cities, counties and the state and build a case for their support of our loved ones.
5. Partner with WAA as a business/organization - Through a partnership with WAA, corporate engagement can help change the trajectory for children, youth and adults involved with autism.

Why Give to the Washington Autism Alliance?

Washington State has an estimated 143,000 children, youth, adolescents, and adults living with ASD, with nearly half of them from low-income families. Your generous contribution will: 

• Provide technical assistance and training to school personnel who promote positive interventions and reduce reliance on restraint and seclusion.
• Improve access to effective education programs for students with autism that include: individualized assessment, functional curriculum, research-based teaching, data-based staffing ratios, family involvement, data tracking, and training and supervision.
• Promote an adequate statewide network of healthcare providers (including behavioral therapists) who have proven autism experience, regardless of whether the child is covered by Medicaid or private insurance.

How Your Donations Make a Difference

The Washington Autism Alliance has two primary buckets of donations: Clinical Resources and Advocacy & Public Policy work. 

Clinical Resources are funds that support early intervention programs and provide related services for families with ASD. Examples of these include transportation costs for family members who need medical appointments or therapies outside the home, camps, and other settings. We also provide intensive interventions in an organized environment and software that helps families track their child's ASD symptoms.

Advocacy & Public Policy work includes funding research into new treatments and interventions, developing education programs for parents and teachers about ASD, working with state legislators on bills affecting ASD communities, and much more. 

Even in times of economic uncertainty, we each have a deep reserve of generosity, which we can deploy in myriad ways to make a difference. Your time, your kindness, your skills, and your voice are all things you can give in addition to charitable donations. We thank you for your consideration of Washington Autism Alliance on this GivingTuesday!