April is Autism Awareness Month
DENVER, April 22, 2010 – Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. In Colorado alone, this translates into more than 28,000 individuals living with autism every day. Yet, for several years Colorado has been the 49th worst-funded state in terms of supporting its disabled community. To raise money and awareness for autism and autism research Colorado Walk Now for Autism Speaks will be held on April 24 at 10 a.m. at Dick’s Sporting Good Park in Commerce City, Colo., during Autism Awareness Month.
“Join Autism Speaks for a family-friendly walk -- all money raised for Colorado Walk Now for Autism Speaks stays in the local Colorado community,” said Pam Cozard, Colorado Walk Now for Autism Speaks Walk Chair. “Despite the high prevalence and growing health care costs associated with caring for a child with autism, autism research receives less than 5 percent of the research funding of many other, less prevalent childhood diseases – come out and help us raise awareness for Autism! Our goal is to have 5,000 walkers and raise $300,000 we can’t do it without the help of our local community.”
What: Colorado Walk Now for Autism Speaks
When: Saturday, April 24
8 a.m. registration
10 a.m. walk begins
Where: Dick’s Sporting Good Park
6000 Victory Way
Commerce City, CO 80022
How: Create or join a team at www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/colorado or register the day of the walk. There is no cost to participate.
Autism Speaks is funding 5 million dollars in research here in Colorado.
Did you know …
* 1 in 110 children is diagnosed with autism
* A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
* More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer COMBINED
* Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
* Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
* Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of less prevalent childhood diseases
* Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
* There is no medical detection or cure for autism (autismspeaks.org)
Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives
Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
* Lack of or delay in spoken language
* Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
* Little or no eye contact
* Lack of interest in peer relationships
* Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
* Persistent fixation on parts of objects
About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization 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. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
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