Press Release

CONTACT:
Melanie Jones
205-951-1364
877-4AUTISM
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APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
ASA Boost Autism Awareness Month with Annual Walk

Birmingham, AL -- The Walk for Autism occurs annually during April, Autism Awareness Month. The Walk is the Autism Society of Alabama’s signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place at Regions Park on Saturday April 26. The registration desk opens at 8:30 a.m., the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the event concludes at noon. The cost is $25 per person, which includes an event t-shirt. On-line registration and pledge forms are available at www.autism-alabama.org. The expected attendance is approximately 300 walkers with many children with autism participating in the walk.

Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for our mission – to improve the quality of life of individuals with autism and their families through education, advocacy and support, but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased funding to combat this complex disorder.

Walk for Autism 2008 offers everyone a fun-filled experience with entertainment, refreshments, an autism community resource fair, and much, much more.

Together, we will make great strides toward helping those affected by autism.

Visit www.autism-alabama.org to register and for more information.

Visit www.firstgiving.com/autismalabama to set up a personal fundraising page.

The Autism Society of Alabama invites you to participate! $25 Registration Fee includes a Walk t-shirt. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

About the Autism Society of Alabama

ASA is often the first place a family calls for several different reasons 1) they have concerns about their child’s development, 2) their child has recently received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and 3) they need assistance navigating the service delivery system.

Proceeds from the Walk directly benefit the Autism Society of Alabama. ASA provides scholarships to attend camps which specialize in the unique needs of those on the autism spectrum. Handwriting Without Tears Training courses are provided for parents and teachers statewide. This program is designed to foster a child’s ability to communicate through written expression.  ASA has sponsored the nationally recognized First Signs program and distributes First Signs Screening Kits to Pediatricians and Early Interventionists in hopes of reducing the age at which children in Alabama are first identified (average age 5 years, 6 months).

The Center for Disease Control reports that 1 in 150 people have autism. Given this increased rate, autism will soon become the most common disability in the United States. It is estimated that Alabama has as many as 30,000 individuals on the autism spectrum.

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