Yet six years ago, my life was torn apart. My grandson was diagnosed with autism. The diagnosis was a shock, what was even more shocking was finding out over 67 million people around the world may be affected by autism. I quickly came to learn we're not alone, and quickly came to realize it was time to make a difference.

Autism is now only the third medical disorder after AIDS and diabetes that has been recognized by the United Nations with a day of recognition. April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and the month of April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a developmental disorder that usually appears in the first 3 years of life and often affects a child's social and communication skills.

My grandson Christian was such a happy little boy, who loved playing with cars, chatting away, laughing and joyful. But his autism has silenced him, and those moments of joy have slipped away. Boys are diagnosed with autism four times as often as girls. Autism has become a public health crisis in the United States, affecting one in 110 children, and one in 70 boys. We are seeing similar statistics around the world. Autism prevalence has risen 600% over the past 20 years of scientific research. We are still trying to understand why.

My husband Bob and I founded Autism Speaks five years ago. Since then we have become the largest autism science and advocacy organization in the world. We are humbled and awed by all that has been accomplished in such a short time. We couldn't do this without the help of people all around the world. But Autism Speaks work is far from done as more children will be diagnosed with autism than pediatric AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined. This is why I urge you to help us make a difference.

We've been fortunate to enlist the support of people dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected with autism and their families including President Obama, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. While many well-known individuals have raised their voices in support of our cause, we must not forget to listen to those who often cannot speak for themselves; those for whom our organization was created to help; those sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues with autism.

Autism Speaks continues to expand its outreach in the international autism community with a global call to action. On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, over 60 countries will participate in awareness activities around the globe. Through collaboration, we aim to expand our mission's impact around the world with the hope of finding the answers we seek and the solutions we need. Our organization was founded around the simple but powerful statement that "Autism Speaks" and we need the world to listen. We remain committed to empowering those affected by autism to be heard. With compassion, determination, and hope, we will continue to work tirelessly until all families and individuals with autism around the world are recognized.

Autism Speaks. It's time for the World to listen. For more information go to: www.AutismSpeaks.org
 
- The author is the co-founder of "Autism Speaks."