Walk For Autism At Camp Harkness

On Saturday, August 24, Autism Speaks will host an informational event for new teams and walkers interested in participating in this year's annual Southeastern Connecticut Walk Now for Autism Speaks. 

More than 1,500 people, including individuals with autism, their families and friends, joined last year's Southeastern Connecticut Walk Now for Autism Speaks which took place at Camp Harkness in Waterford in October. 

The Walk has thus far raised almost $70,000 all of which will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in the Southeastern part of Connecticut and beyond. 

Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in one in every 88 children, including 1 in every 54 boys, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, raising close to $30 million in 2011 in 85 cities across the U.S. and Canada  to support autism research, awareness and advocacy. Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in the Connecticut area. 

In addition to its national efforts, the organization has been able to fund 34 - 100 day kits and 80 Transitional Toolkits, right here in Connecticut. As well as scientific research grants and fellowships funded at Yale and UCONN totaling over $1 million dollars. Over the past four years, more than $60,000 has been awarded to community grants in Connecticut, including Ability Beyond Disability (The Roses for Autism Project), Neighborhood Music School and Abilis.

You can find out more about the organization and register to participate here. 

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed over $180 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. 

To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.