Annual Greater Morris Area Walk Now for Autism Speaks is Moving!

MADISON, N.J. - July 10, 2015 - PRLog -- The New Jersey Chapter of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the annual Greater Morris Area Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on Saturday, October 17^th at a new location inside Giralda Farms located at the corner of Madison Avenue and Dodge Drive in beautiful Madison, New Jersey.All event proceeds 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 in the Greater Morris area and beyond.

Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 68 children, including 1 in 42 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, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants 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 two to three-mile Walk and Community Resource fair with educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities – a true “one-stop-shop” for families affected by autism.

In addition to its national science and advocacy work, Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in New Jersey.The organization has provided funding to innovative local service providers, including Hope Autism Services through its Family Services Community Grant program. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at local research institutions.

“Walk day is always so energizing,” said Co-Chairs, Ed & Liz Sluke. “No matter how much is going on walk day, we ensure we take the time to stop and look around, so we can appreciate the turnout and growing support from our communities. Each year is just more amazing than the last. This year, at Giralda Farms, we hope to help grow the walk and raise more awareness about autism that is so desperately needed.”

For more information about the 2015 Greater Morris Area Walk Now for Autism Speaks, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/gma or contact Emily Kreifels at (856) 858-5400.

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 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.

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 nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org (http://www.autismspeaks.org/).