Today is World Suicide Prevention Day
2X Match: Ends at Midnight

Dear John,

With Keith’s message below providing crucial context, I wanted to follow up with a few actions you can take now to protect your loved ones in the autism community.

1. Pay Attention: Never trivialize or dismiss words or actions indicating suicidal thoughts.
2. Talk About It: Create an environment for open and honest communication about feelings.
3. Prevent Bullying: Stay aware of your loved one’s environment at school or work.
4. Reduce Social Isolation: Be friendly, engage with your community, and model social skills.
5. Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Healthy habits like exercise help regulate moods and behaviors.
6. Monitor Medication Side Effects: Some medications can increase suicidal ideation.
7. Place Barriers on Lethal Means: If you’re concerned, keep lethal objects under lock and key.
8. Act Quickly: If you recognize suicidal tendencies, reach out to a professional immediately.

Please also consider making a MATCHED donation to Autism Speaks today. With your help, we connect thousands of people with autism and their families with FREE, evidence-based support every day through services like the Autism Response Team.

Thank you for your attention this World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s not an easy topic to talk about—which is exactly why we should be talking about it.

With gratitude,

Kelli Seely
Chief Marketing Officer
Autism Speaks

------ Forward ------

From: Keith Wargo

Sent: Tuesday, September 9

To: [email protected]
Subject: [Match] Ensure Support for Every Family (With 2X Impact)

Tomorrow is World Suicide Prevention Day

2X Match: Ensure support for every family

Dear John,

At Autism Speaks, we celebrate and encourage autistic joy and happiness at every possible opportunity. But today, I have an obligation to address a sobering reality—one that has only become more urgent as shifting policies have put access to vital resources like Medicaid into question.

The reality: People with autism are significantly more likely to think about and attempt suicide than non-autistic people. The distinction only becomes more alarming when you dig into the details.

As the father of an autistic young adult, the data above chills me to my core—especially when considering that one in nine children with autism in the U.S. aren’t getting the healthcare they need, including access to mental health services.

That’s why, this World Suicide Prevention Day, I’m calling on allies like you to show up and make a MATCHED gift to help ensure Autism Speaks is always ready to connect autistic people and their families with vital support. Can I count on you?

With your MATCHED gift today, we can provide FREE support to autistic people and their families, whether it’s:

• On the phone with the Autism Response Team trained experts;
• On the ground at an Empowerment Walk; or
• On our website’s comprehensive, easy-to-use Resource Guide.

Together, we can ensure no one ever navigates the autism journey alone—and right now, your next gift will make DOUBLE the impact. Give before midnight to send 2X the resources, support, and LOVE to the autism community this World Suicide Prevention Day.

Regardless of how much or how often, your selfless contribution WILL change lives for the better.

Thank you,

Keith Wargo
President & CEO
Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks, 50 F Street, Suite 360, Washington, DC 20001

Mailing address, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037

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