Join us this April. All it takes is a few clicks and shares to inspire friends, family and other connections to help kids with autism.

What is Autism Awareness Month?

Autism Awareness Month is a time and an opportunity to better understand and discuss the effects autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has on kids, families and communities. Throughout the month of April, everyone touched by autism, that’s over 70 million people worldwide, are invited to come together to share their experiences and learn more about autism. 

Join us this April by supporting Marcus Autism Center and making a difference to kids who are living with autism. 

Why get involved?

At Marcus Autism Center, we know that early detection is the first step toward early intervention. And early intervention can make the difference between a lifetime of limitations and a future full of promise and fulfillment. 

This is why we set out to reduce the average age of autism diagnosis and speed up the time to intervention. And, we’re seeing results. Within the last four years, we have increased the number of children diagnosed under the age of 3 by 50 percent. This means more children are getting critical interventions earlier, when it matters most.

And we don't stop there. We are sharing our expertise beyond our walls by developing interventions, care plans and treatments that can be shared in the communities where these children live.

We’re making progress. But this is only the beginning. To positively impact the lives of even more children and their families, we need your help. 

Make a donation

As a not-for-profit organization, Marcus Autism Center relies on support from donors like you. Every gift, every dollar, makes a difference in the lives of kids with autism.

Your gift allows us to conduct meaningful research that results in brighter futures for all kids with autism. Your gift matters to us. And it matters to them.

Promote on social media

Tell your followers why they should donate to Marcus Autism Center in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. Here are some tips on social media best practices and some sample posts you can cut and paste.

Social media best practices

• Posts with photos get more attention, so consider adding a picture of a kid who inspires you to give to Marcus Autism Center.
• Don’t forget to include that it is Autism Awareness Month in all of your posts.
• For maximum impact, share your personal story about your family’s positive experiences at Marcus Autism Center or why you choose to give. Encourage others to do the same. 
• Tag Marcus Autism Center on Facebook (@MarcusAutismCenter) and Twitter (@MarcusAutism). 
• Remember to include the donate button for Marcus Autism Center in your post.  

Examples you can use

• Facebook samples
  • All kids should have access to early diagnosis and treatment for autism. That’s why I’m supporting Marcus Autism Center during Autism Awareness Month. Give where it matters most. Donate today.
  • Together, we can help lead the way in transforming the future of autism. Join me in supporting Marcus Autism Center during Autism Awareness Month. Give where it matters most. Donate today.
  • I just kicked off Autism Awareness Month with a donation to Marcus Autism Center. Join me. Make a difference in the lives of kids with autism. Donate today.

• Twitter examples
  • In honor of Autism Awareness Month, partner with me to make a donation to Marcus Autism Center. Help fund meaningful research and breakthrough discoveries for kids with autism. @MarcusAutism
  • I just kicked off Autism Awareness Month with a donation to Marcus Autism Center. Join me! Revolutionize the way the world sees autism. Donate today. @MarcusAutism
  • Support Autism Awareness Month with a donation to Marcus Autism Center. I did! @MarcusAutism

Support while you shop

Take advantage of the many opportunities to support Marcus Autism Center and use your spending power to make a difference. Whether shopping online, enjoying a meal or visiting your favorite store, you can make an impact at Marcus Autism Center throughout the month of April.

• Lazy Dog Restaurants: April 1-30
  Visit Lazy Dog Restaurants in Dunwoody and Alpharetta this Autism Awareness Month. All month long, $1 for every kid’s meal purchased will be donated to Marcus Autism Center to continue the important work of serving the one in 36 kids in the United States living with autism.
• California Pizza Kitchen: April 15-18
  Did you know your next pizza night can make a difference? Mention Children’s when you visit California Pizza Kitchen at Atlantic Station—or order online with code BACK20%—and 20% of proceeds will be donated to support Marcus Autism Center.

Host a Facebook fundraiser

Facebook has launched a simple tool that makes it easy for you to host your own online fundraiser. Autism Awareness Month is a great time to use this resource to raise awareness for Marcus Autism Center, share your own personal story and reach a fundraising goal. Consider matching donor gifts to make their gift go twice as far. 

Every single dollar raised goes directly to Marcus Autism Center to support our goal of maximizing the potential of children with autism today and transforming the future of autism through research.

Not sure how high to set your fundraising goal? Consider this: Your gift can help us purchase much needed items, like $60 to help feed our therapy dog, Flip, for one month, or $500 to help fund art supplies and toys for clinical sessions and research. Every amount makes a difference. 

Send an email

Reach out to family and friends to inspire them to give to Marcus Autism Center this April during Autism Awareness Month. Here is a sample email you can customize and share: 

Dear Family and Friends,

Mark your calendar! April is Autism Awareness Month, and I’m inviting you to join me in supporting Marcus Autism Center. Why? Because when you donate to the center, you’re giving where it matters most. You’re helping to transform the lives of countless kids with autism. 

[Insert how autism or Marcus Autism Center has made an impact in your life, or in the life of someone you care about.]

Marcus Autism Center is a not-for-profit organization, so donor funds are critical to making sure they can continue to conduct meaningful research that leads to breakthrough discoveries. That’s why I’m asking you to make Marcus Autism Center your Autism Awareness Month charity of choice. 

Visit marcus.org/give to show your support. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!