My team
My Story…
The Autism Connection of PA was founded in 1995 by parents meeting for support and it has since grown to reach 12,000 people a week with e- news, research, and events plus almost 7000 social media followers. Their mission is to be a lifeline and hub, providing support, information, and advocacy to autistic people and families. They answer about 260 help requests every month, from people of all ages and stages, and provide email and text counseling, which is usually the most accessible way for those with communication disabilities.
They are even a standout in prison advocacy - most people don’t know it, but about 5% of the US prison population is autistic with many convictions happening due to disability social errors or false confessions, like people saying or signing things they do not understand.
There’s a lot more they do to help, their website is here: www.autismofpa.org
The Autism Connection exists on grants and people like you donating to help individuals and fighting for positive system changes.
Last year they got legal help for two young men stuck in state prison, one 18 months past his parole date! Both were convicted due to social misunderstandings. Altogether they lost 13 years of their life and suffered repeat abuse and even solitary confinement. Now they live in supported disability housing and do regular community things.
They have many more people to help.
Donate to help Spencer raise money for 2025 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend’s fundraising campaign.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 01 | Bill Smartnick | $27.48 |
| May 01 | Heather Conroy | $27.48 |
| May 01 | Anonymous | $54.10 |
| May 01 | Tammy Hart | $54.10 |
| May 01 | Dan G | $54.10 |
| May 01 | Shiny Yveltal | $27.48 |
| Apr 29 | Claudia Presser | $27.48 |
| Apr 29 | Melinda Murphy | $27.48 |
| Apr 18 | The Valleys | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 17 | Sam | Undisclosed amount |
