My friends and I are trying to raise awareness and money for Autism. Even if you can't make the walk, you can donate!
REGISTER for the walk here.
OR DONATE here.
The Facebook event is located here.
www.walknowforautism.org
Walk Day Information
Walk Now for Autism is a family-friendly event so bring the whole family along. There are activities for the children, resources for families, light refreshments and entertainment.
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2008
Location: The National Mall
15th St. at Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC
Registration: 8:30 am
Walk Starts: 10:00 am
Distance: Approximately 2 miles; shorter routes available
Map: Washington Monument Grounds
Parking: On-street parking; local garages.
Activities: Face painting; carnival games; roaming entertainers; snacks and drinks; autism resource fair
Metro: Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange) or Metro Center (Red/Blue/Orange).
What is Autism? An Overview
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a
person’s lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum
disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making
it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs
in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike
boys than girls. Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to
others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as
obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can
range from very mild to quite severe.
Did you know…
• 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
• 67 children are diagnosed per day
• A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability
• Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double
in the next decade
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent
childhood diseases
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Our Mission
At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with
autism spectrum disorders.
We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes,
prevention,
treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about
autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope
to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising
the funds necessary to support these goals.
Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong
voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and
take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is our firm belief that,
working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Autism Speaks. It’s time to listen.
Walk Now for Autism
Autism Speaks’ Walk Now for Autism, the nation’s largest grassroots autism
walk program, is our signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place
in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United
Kingdom. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism
spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates
vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing
prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this
complex disorder.
Thanks for your support!