My daughter Maya is a spunky, artistic, vivacious child living with autism. Like most children living with autism, she tends to shy away from social interaction in settings and people that make her feel uncomfortable.

Recently, I decided to start a group dedicated to creating a place where parents and their children living with autism can associate and network with other parents in the same situation. It is called the Raleigh Autism Friendship Files (RAFF). The group has been a total success.

There are no words to describe how it feels to talk to another father who understands the little nuances your son does on a daily basis, or the sight of seeing your daughter running and playing with a child that sees the world like she does. The gift of networking was enough for me to escalate my efforts.

RAFF will be one of the teams walking in the 2007 Carolinas Walk for Autism (Autism Speaks) on October 6th, 2007. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by promoting awareness in local businesses and amongst our family, friends, and associates. Please help reach our goal by pledging to unlock the mystery of autism.

To make a donation, please go to www.autismwalk.org/GORAFF.

1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. RAFF pledges to donate our time, effort, and commitment to this epidemic.

Sincerely,

Nikki Farrow
RAFF Organizer
Mother of 5-year old sun ray Maya