Hey! My name is J.T. Off, a student at Vanderbilt University, with a close connection to autism. My brother, Teddy, was diagnosed with low-functioning autism when he was 4 years old. However, that has not stopped him from living life to the fullest, and it has not stopped me from seeing him as not just a brother, but a close companion. Whether it's bike rides or eating pounds of chips and salsa, Teddy has helped me see the world in a different light of empathy and love. Having Teddy in my life has also motivated me to help others with Autism through volunteer work, volunteering for Next Steps Vanderbilt, a program that is centered on transitioning college students with disabilities into the working society, and volunteering as a swim instructor for Special Olympics. That is why I have decided to run for a cause that not only helps my brother but also helps others with low and high-functioning autism. Please help me support the Organization for Autism Research by making a contribution to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your family and friends. Every dollar I raise will advance the Organization for Autism Research's great cause! 


WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.


Here are some of the ways that OAR uses the funds raised by the RUN FOR AUTISM team:

$10 provides a Curriculum in a Box professional development set to general education teachers.
$25 provides 15 copies of A Guide to Safety to families and first responders.
$100 provides the Kit for Kids peer education resource to an entire elementary or middle school.
$150 provides 100 copies of a Life Journey through Autism guidebook sent to a community support group or military installation.
$1,000 provides a research grant for a graduate student studying autism.
$3,000 provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college.
$50,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.