Leave a gift to Autistica in your will
Up to one in a hundred children is now being diagnosed with autism – disrupting family life dramatically and permanently.
Autistica is the only charity in the UK raising funds for research into the causes of autism, so that we can improve the quality of life for those living with this confusing and isolating condition.
Leaving a gift - or a legacy - in your will is a lasting and wonderful way of ensuring our work continues. A legacy means sharing in our commitment that we shall find the causes of autism and, from this discovery, we shall improve the quality of lives of those affected from what can be a deeply distressing and lonely condition.
For more information about legacies, please download our guide
Making a will
Making a will and keeping it up to date is important, so that you can provide for your loved ones. Once their needs have been met, you may want to consider leaving a legacy to Autistica.
There are three types of gift you can make to Autistica through your will.
- Residuary Legacy - This is what is left over after all gifts have been made, expenses deducted and inheritance tax paid.
- Pecuniary Legacy - This is a specified amount of money.
- Specific Legacy - This can be, for example, jewellery, art, a car or property.
Your solicitor can advise you on the benefits of the different types of legacy. If you would like to help Autistica by leaving a legacy, your solicitor can use the following wording for a pecuniary or residuary bequest, which will ensure your wishes are followed accurately.
- Residuary Legacy
“I give x% of the residue of my real and personal estate, which I can dispose of by my will in any matter I think proper, to Autistica (Charity Registration Number 1107350), Rotherfield House, 7 Fairmile, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2JR and the Receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or the proper officer for the time being of Autistica be a complete discharge to my Executors.”
- Pecuniary Legacy
“I give the sum of £x to Autistica (Charity Registration Number 1107350), of Autistica (Charity Registration Number 1107350), Rotherfield House, 7 Fairmile, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2JR. and the Receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or the proper officer for the time being of Autistica be a complete discharge to my Executors.”
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Philippa Stannard by completing your details below or calling Philippa on 01189 016876.
A Message from Jane Asher
I have been involved in the world of autism for over
twenty years, and have seen at first hand how the
lives of those affected by the disorder, and the
lives of those around them, can be devastated by this complex and perplexing condition.
Research into the causes of autism is one of the major keys to developing treatments which will make the future brighter for up to 1 in 100 school-age children and those who care for them.
Scientists sponsored by Autistica believe we are just a few years away from identifying the faulty genes believed to be responsible for autism, but, inevitably, such long term research is expensive.
I have seen so many adults with autism, undiagnosed and untreated in their early years, who spend their lives in fear and anxiety. With enough funds we can discover the causes of autism so that no more children have to grow up into a blighted future, and I would be immensely grateful if you would consider making a lasting gift to Autistica in your will.With best wishes.
Why Vera has chosen to leave a legacy
Michael and Christopher
Our daughter Yvonne and her husband were so happy when Michael was
born in December 2000. We immediately booked a flight to California and
went to help out. I stayed for seven weeks and a wonderful bond between
Michael and myself began.
Two years later his brother Christopher was born, a beautiful happy baby. During our visits to see the family, we saw a change in Michael’s behaviour but we put it down to having a new baby in the house.
About nine months later they all visited us and I noticed that Michael appeared to be in a little world of his own. It was then that Yvonne shared her concerns that he may have autism. I was devastated. I knew little about autism, but I knew it would be life changing for a family. A very long and anxious process of evaluations began and some weeks later our dreadful fears were confirmed. To this day I still hear Yvonne’s voice over the telephone saying "Mum, Michael has autism." Yvonne and John immediately set about seeking help for Michael. He received individual therapies and benefited from music and swimming, as well as other activities.
But then another dreadful shock, Christopher's social skills were not developing like a typical 2 year old and he was also diagnosed with high-functioning autism.
Fortunately for our grandsons, there is more awareness about autism than ever before. As a result of early intervention, our boys are progressing well. However, thousands of children in the world are not as fortunate because they do not have access to therapies.
Money for further research is vital. A huge weight has been lifted off my mind knowing that by making a gift to Autistica, others will benefit from intervention therapies and an understanding of biochemical issues that will give them, like our grandsons, the privilege of experiencing the wonderful world that surrounds them and sharing their love with their family and friends.
