January 16, 2008

Dear Member of the Autism Society of Delaware,

 We, the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of Delaware, recently voted to end our formal relationship with the Autism Society of America.  We have done substantial work to establish ourselves as an independent, separately incorporated organization in order to give us the greatest flexibility in serving the autism community here in Delaware.  While all our members are still free to maintain their membership with the Autism Society of America, we will no longer require such membership in order to join the Autism Society of Delaware.  Other than that, nothing has changed.  We are still the largest membership-based autism advocacy organization in Delaware, and in fact are stronger and better able to meet the needs of our community than ever.  Establishing POW&R, our adult service agency, is just one example of how we are moving forward and breaking new ground in improving the lives of people with autism every day. In addition we are: 

·        expanding services for families affected by Asperger’s through social skills training, teen/tween groups, and parent mentoring

·         providing grants to local as well as national organizations to support autism-related research and services

·         mentoring the growing number of Delaware parents of children with autism

·         working with other organizations to raise awareness of the impact of public policy on people with autism and other disabilities

·         continuing to host and increase family social events

·         keeping the autism community connected and updated through The Sun, our website, and listserve (e-group)

 Please do not hesitate to call our office - 302-472-2638 - or visit our website - www.delautism.org - if you have any questions or concerns.  But know that we have never been more committed to keeping the first state FIRST when it comes to our loved ones with autism. 

 Best Regards,

 Autism Society of Delaware Board of Directors