A Perfect Partnership to Help Put the Puzzle Pieces Together

In 2007, Autism Speaks forged a wonderful new partnership with Toys“R”Us, as we looked to the business community to help us shine a powerful spotlight on autism. Since then, Babies“R”Us has joined us in the fight and, this year, the partnership has expanded to cover all of North America with the addition of Toys“R”Us, Canada.

At a time when 1 in 110 children, and a staggering 1 in 70 boys, are being diagnosed, Autism Speaks’ mission to fund global biomedical research into the causes and treatment of autism; to promote public awareness and understanding about autism; to lobby for insurance and increased federal spending; and to offer much needed services for affected families, is more crucial than ever. Thanks to our ongoing relationship with the “R”Us family over the past three years, we are getting closer to achieving our goals.

Toys“R”Us has been an invaluable partner to our organization. Not only are they the National Sponsor for our Walk Now for Autism Speaks program, their employees have also stepped up to the plate by forming their own Walk teams. Additionally, each spring the “R”Us family launches a nine week point-of-sale campaign throughout its stores nationwide, to overlap with Autism Awareness Month in April. As a result of all these efforts, the “R”Us family has raised $5.5 million dollars for vital research and services for our families, and raised awareness of autism around the country by promoting our organization and the signs of the disorder.

In the past five years, and in no small part due to our relationship with the “R”Us family, we have accomplished a great deal. We have played a pivotal role in the passing of a United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day recognized each April 2; committed $131 million dollars to scientific research through 2012; lobbied for national insurance reform, and celebrated the passing of autism insurance legislation in 15 states, with bills pending in an additional 23 states; distributed over 5,500 100 Day Kits in English and Spanish free of charge to newly diagnosed families to help them navigate the first months after a diagnosis; and celebrated the fact that overall autism awareness has increased an unprecedented 43 percent.

We are so pleased to expand our partnership with the “R”Us family. Together with the ongoing commitment of our friends, we are getting one step closer to solving the heartbreaking and puzzling mystery of autism. Thank you for your support!

Suzanne and Bob Wright

Founders, Autism Speaks