'Crusading Against Autism'

Autism Speaks, an award-winning organization that has raised millions to fund research for autism and provide resources and support for families with autistic children. People notes the huge success of the organization, now celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The couple's decision to start Autism Speaks was deeply personal, their grandson Christian was diagnosed with autism in 2004. According to the article, the pair traveled around the country attending autism events and conferences and became frustrated by the lack of support services for their grandson and the millions of other people affected by autism. A noticeable takeaway for the Wrights was seeing the families that were overcome by the financial burden of treatments and the lack of adequate insurance coverage available to them.

“We came back and said, ‘we have to do something,’” the Wrights explained to People. The duo according to Bob went “state by state, hat in hand” advocating for more health insurance coverage for autism treatments. According to the Wrights, 41 states now have some health insurance coverage for the disorder.

This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Sarah Barrett ’18.