Autism Speaks of Southern New Jersey, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, will hold its 2015 Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Saturday, May 16 at Bishop’s Gate Corporate Center on 4001 Leadenhall Road in Mt. Laurel. Proceeds from the 14th annual walk will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness of autism, fund innovative research and family services, and advocate for the needs of people with autism and their families.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in one in every 68 children — and one in 42 boys. Autism Speaks addresses the needs of families with free online tool kits, as well as resources for education, housing, and employment. The majority of Autism Speaks’ funding goes toward research into causes and treatments of the disorder.
Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraisers for Autism Speaks, drawing hundreds of thousands of volunteers in more than 100 cities across North America.
Each Walk Now for Autism Speaks event is unique to its city.
The Southern New Jersey event will include a 3K family friendly run, walk, and a community resource fair, providing families with “one-stop shopping” for educational options, therapists, recreational programs, child-friendly activities, and other vital services. Special guests for the day include CBS 3’s Natasha Brown, as well as performances by Eco-Man and Colin Coyle.
Autism Speaks already is having a significant impact on the Southern New Jersey area. Through its family services and grant program, Autism Speaks has awarded funding to innovative service providers. They include Rowan University and Parents of Autistic Children who are working to train our local first responders to better handle emergencies involving autistic individuals. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also receives funding from Autism Speaks, as part of its Autism Treatment Network, the first national collaboration of its kind.
“South Jersey’s Walk Now for Autism Speaks is helping fund vital services and innovative ideas that improve the quality of life for people in our community,” said William Wills, one of this year’s walk co-chairs. “We’re eager to support that crucial work by researchers, service providers, and medical experts, both close to home and all across the country.”
For more information about the Southern New Jersey Walk Now for Autism Speaks, please visit WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org/SNJ or contact Emily Kreifels at SouthernNewJersey@AutismSpeaks.org or (856) 858–5400.
