Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks Searching for Support

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. - Jan. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- The Southern NJ chapter of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, is seeking sponsors for their annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event. The 14^th annual Walk will take place on Saturday, May 16^th, 2015 at Bishop’s Gate Corporate Center: 4001 Leadenhall Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. All event proceeds will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally in Southern New Jersey and across the United States, to increase awareness about autism, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Southern New Jersey and beyond.

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 communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum, including 1 in 42 boys, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. In New Jersey, autism is being diagnosed in 1 out of every 45 children, including 1 in 28 boys making the Garden State number one in the Nation when it comes to the prevalence of autism.

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 nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events, the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, drawing hundreds of thousands of individuals and families in more than 100 cities across North America to support autism research, awareness and advocacy.

Each Walk Now for Autism Speaks event is unique, offering a safe and fun day for families impacted by autism. The day includes a three-mile Walk and Community Resource fair with educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities including moon bounces – this will truly be a “one-stop-shop” for families affected by autism of all ages.

In addition to its national science and advocacy work, Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in the South Jersey area.The organization has provided funding to innovative local service providers, including Bancroft and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, CHOP, which is part of Autism Speaks’ Autism Treatment Network (ATN), the nation's first network of hospitals and physicians aiming to improve treatment for individuals with autism. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at local research institutions.

“I love to see our community grow year after year,” said Meggie Kobb, a Walk volunteer and mom. “Autism becoming more recognized and accepted both locally and on a national level; we’re raising funds to also support work of service providers, researchers and clinicians in our own community and helping throughout the United States. The Walk is about coming together to honor and celebrate loved ones with autism and the joy they bring to our lives, and to be a part of making life better for them and their families.”

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Emily Kreifels at (856) 858-5400 or email southernnewjersey@autismspeaks.org.