Bark Now for Autism Speaks Comes Back to Cooper River This Spring

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. - Feb. 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Autism Speaks of Southern New Jersey, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, is preparing for their 3^rd annual Bark Now for Autism Speaks event at Cooper River this April.Bark Now for Autism Speaks, a fun-filled, dog friendly event featuring Sparky the Fire Dog, takes place to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. All proceeds from this event will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about autism, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

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. New Jersey is number one in the Nation when it comes to the prevalence of autism; autism is being diagnosed in 1 out of every 45 children, including 1 in 28 boys.

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 hundreds of fundraising events are held throughout the countryfor 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.

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, Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) who provided emergency first responder training and also Rowan University’s College Prep Transition Workshop series. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at local research institutions.

“It’s great to see this event grow from year to year,” said Bill Wills, local Autism dad and Autism Speaks volunteer. “This annual Bark event is a wonderful time for families to bring their dogs with them to support Autism awareness since only service animals are allowed at our walks. We raise funds to support service providers and families right here in our own backyard. The dog walk at Cooper River and our annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks this upcoming May are places where we can truly honor and celebrate our loved ones with autism and to be part of making life for them and their families just a little better.”

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Emily Kreifels at (856) 858-5400 or email Emily (dot) Kreifels (at) autismspeaks.org (mailto:Emily.Kreifels@autismspeaks.org) or visit http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1132999.