Specialisterne Ireland: understand and utilising the unique abilities of Autistic

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from almost four weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the south, Washington, DC is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

The [Global Engineering Solutions] CARES committee proudly achieved its goal to sponsor a water station at the WASHINGTON DC AUTISM SPEAKS WALK on October 1, 2016.

The generous donations raised by our committed group far exceeded what we planned for and thought possible!

GES is thrilled to [sponsor] the AUTISM SPEAKS organization in its efforts ... for individuals [affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

Here is a link to photos from the Washington, DC Walk for Autism Speaks from just over two years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...8621493&type=3

[source: https://www.theges.com/ges-walks-autism-speaks/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from almost a month ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

In Australia, Gateways is a North Geelong-based nonprofit that provides quality, responsive services to individuals affected by various challenges. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the area...

[Many individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, participated in the] fourth Geelong autism walk, banding together to raise awareness of a disorder that is all too often misunderstood.

...[Organiser Sue Anic] said the walk ...was a way of raising awareness and understanding of autism while bringing together [those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

...She said fundraising from the walk and other donations, including a cheque for more than $9000 presented by Lara Rotary, would go towards a fund for the establishment of a life skills house in Geelong.

...“These kids need visuals, labels and step by step instruction to achieve some things you or I would take for granted and this would be an incredible way to help them gain the skills they need for independent living.”

Mum Kate Dunlop, whose autistic son Brye, 8, was [at the Walk with a number of those closest to him], said it felt good to know there were so many others out there in the same situation “and that we’re not the only ones, because it can be really tough at times”.

“...I wish people could see that autistic kids are still little humans, who just act and think a little differently.”

Here is a link to photos from the Autism Walk Geelong event from over eight-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...4902879&type=3

[source: https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au...58913e511b7295 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from almost a month ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, Houston, Texas is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

The Autism Speaks Walk raises funds [for] research and programs for individuals diagnosed with autism and helps to spread autism awareness. Spectacular Kids [is going to have a stall] at the event. We will be there all day handing out [freebies], helping to raise awareness, and having fun! Please come visit our booth to meet our team and learn more about our program.

Join us this year as we walk for Autism Speaks...

Here is a link to a video of the RiverKids Pediatric Home Health team at the recent Houston Autism Speaks Walk from about two weeks ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...teams%20speaks

[source: https://speckidsaba.com/walk-now-for...eptember-2016/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from about a month ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the east, Downeast Horizons is an Ellsworth, Maine-based nonprofit that attempts to provide community services for individuals with various challenges. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the area...

[Many individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] walked from Knowlton Park to Main Street and back to raise awareness and funds for autism...

The Downeast Horizons Autism Walk is in its 13th year and typically raises about $5,000, Executive Director Anthony Zambrano said.

“It’s a real fun event...” he said, waving to the ...crowd that filled the park.

Proceeds from the walk make possible the ...stocking the resource library, releasing public service announcements and funding activities such as ...miniature golf.

Social activities are critical for people with autism, Zambrano said, and so is early intervention.

“If a parent knows his or her kiddo might have a sign or symptom [of autism], that really helps that kid, so they don’t need help later on,” he said.

Most people walked, and some observed, like PeterAnn Hodgdon, of Ellsworth.

“I’m just going to watch because I have to go to the doctor’s today,” she said.

..The Autism Walk is the kind of activity Zambrano had pointed to, that brings people with autism out into the world. “We’ve got to teach them in that environment and make them comfortable,” he said.

...Camden National Bank was a major sponsor of this year’s Autism Walk...

Here is a link to a video from the Downeast Horizons Autism Walk from over two-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=...498dca02e60b&q

[source: https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/ma...wareness-walk/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from about a month ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the south, Richmond, Virginia is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

The 8th annual Autism Speaks Walk took place Saturday morning at Richmond International Raceway in Henrico County.

The event aims to unite the community while raising funds to assist people of all ages with autism.

...[Television] Meteorologist Nikki-Dee Ray served as emcee for the event.

The event raised more than $68,500 for research and programs...

Here is a link to photos from the Richmond, Virginia Autism Speaks Walk from just over two years ago:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10156274956186493&type=3

[source: https://www.wtvr.com/2016/09/25/auti...-walk-rir-2016 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from a couple of days ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southeast, Western Connecticut (WCT) is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the 7th Annual Autism Speaks Western Connecticut Walk fundraising and awareness event will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2016...

The [WCT] walk event is unique, offering a safe and fun day for [those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders]. The day includes a 1.5 mile walk and a Community Resource fair with educational sources, therapists, autism tool kits, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly games. Join participants from [WCT and surrounding areas on the] day.

...Maya Willis is chair and Ann Jordan is the vice chair of this signature walk for Autism Speaks.

There will be great entertainment until noon including National Anthem singer Robert Melendez who is on the spectrum and Waterbury Career Academy junior and Light it Up Blue Ambassador, Selena Soto...

...Photographers Rob Pierpont, Kori Andrea Photography and JLReynolds Photgraphy will be capturing this great day. Make sure you stop by the Team Photo area.

Snacks and water from ...Costco [and] Ami's Bagels... will be available for walkers. Please be advised we will not have any food accommodations for special diets. We ask that if someone in your party has a dietary restriction, please bring something for them from home. Food is not sold at this event.

...the roads will be closed off during the walk to car traffic for everyone's safety... Free parking in the parking garages.

"I am proud to be the chair for the WCT Walk and to continue with the mission to spread awareness and acceptance for the autism community", said Maya Willis, Walk chair. "I am looking forward to another successful Walk day ...all while raising much needed funds for all those who struggle with autism." said Ann Jordan, Walk vice chair.

"My husband and I started the walk seven years ago. We are continuing to work together to spread awareness, advocate and make great strides toward improving the lives of [those affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] and that is a wonderful feeling", said Helen Taylor, Autism Speaks Connecticut Community and Awareness Volunteer Chair.

The Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks...

Thank you to our local sponsors: NBC Connecticut Partners in a Caring Community, IHeart Media Communities...

Here is a link to photos from the WCT Autism Speaks Walk from about three-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...8598430&type=3

[source: https://patch.com/connecticut/woodbu...ecticut-walk-0 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from about a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southeast, the Monmouth County in New Jersey is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks, the Jersey Shore Walk for Autism Speaks...

Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced that the 7th annual NJ Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Great Lawn in [Monmouth County], NJ. All event proceeds will [go to] Autism Speaks' work, both locally and nationally, ...[for individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,] in Ocean and Monmouth counties and beyond...

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a unique fundraising event that offers a safe and fun day for [those individuals] impacted by autism. Walk check-in opens at 10:00 a.m. Entertainment including arts and crafts, a moon bounce, fun bus and game truck and Community Resource Fair featuring local autism service providers starts at 10:00 a.m. The 1.5-mile walk [starts] at 12:00 p.m. The Walk is emceed by Matt Ryan from 94.3 The Point.

The 3^rd annual NJ Shore 5K Run Now for Autism Speaks will take place before the Walk on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Great Lawn... Run check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. The ...Run will start at 8:30 a.m.

The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, raising [vital funds for] autism research, awareness and advocacy. Last year's NJ Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks attracted [many participants] and raised over $343,000.

".l..our Walk Now for Autism Speaks event has grown each year, and we expect to expand the ranks of both walkers and donors in 2012," said Beth Sarfaty, NJ Shore Walk Co-Chair. "In addition to raising funds and awareness, the Walk is a chance for families to come together and enjoy a day of laughter, hope and community. Working together, we are making great strides toward improving the lives of people with autism and their families."

For the sixth straight year, Toys"R"Us^® and Babies"R"Us^® will proudly serve as the North American sponsors of Walk Now for Autism Speaks...

Here is a link to a video from the Jersey Shore Autism Speaks Walk from just over two years ago:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=378651909740417

[source: https://patch.com/new-jersey/longbra...-autism-speaks ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from over two weeks ago was Downeast Horizons, an eastern Maine-based nonprofit that attempts to provide community services for individuals with various challenges. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the area.

To the west, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada is home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation...

Join in the Autism Speaks Canada Walk- Ottawa on Sunday June 2nd, 2019 at the Bell Sensplex! Teams and individuals register free at ...to raise awareness and funds. Enjoy the ...3km Walk plus free ...leisure and adapted sports activities, resources to discover, service providers to meet, new friends to make.
The Walk events are the single most important annual fundraising initiative for Autism Speaks Canada ...The Walks bring the community together while providing an opportunity to make connections and feel the support of donors, sponsors, local media, community partners, and corporate sponsors.

Here is a link to photos from the Ottawa Autism Speaks Walk from about four-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...5163499&type=3

[source: https://boom997.com/event/3503/autis...k-ottawa-2019/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of yesterday's post was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, Columbus, Ohio is also home to an annual Autism Speaks Walk...

NBC4 is a proud sponsor of the Autism Speaks Walk and this year the walk has something for everyone!

NBC4’s Jerod Smalley will emcee the Autism Speaks Walk where thousands of people will come to Columbus Commons in one of the biggest autism fundraisers in America. ...However you choose to participate, your [contribution] will be recognized and celebrated.

...October 10, 2021
Columbus Commons...

Autism Speaks Walk Schedule:
9:00 AM- Registration
10:00 AM- Program
10:30 AM- Walk

...we can’t wait to celebrate one another and the amazing impact we are making together for [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

Here is a link to photos from the Columbus, Ohio Autism Speaks Walk from just over seven years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7865080&type=3

[source: https://www.nbc4i.com/nbc4-proud-spo...m-speaks-walk/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from nearly a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, Des Moines, Iowa is also home to an annual Autism Speaks Walk...

Sunday’s weather was perfect for the Autism Speaks Walk at Principal Park.

The walk in Iowa is part of the events that take place across the nation to bring awareness and raise money for autism research. April is Autism Awareness Month.

This year, [many individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] were registered to take part in the walk, and organizers were hoping to raise $77,000. That number was exceeded last year, and organizers say they wouldn’t be surprised if it happened again.

“It’s continued to grow from the very start. Des Moines is a great community with a lot of involvement...” said Autism Speaks Iowa co-chair Molly Clasing...

Here is a link to photos from the Iowa Autism Speaks Walk from about five-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1624799&type=3

[source: https://who13.com/news/iowans-walk-to-fight-autism/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from over a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, the Arc of Buncombe County is an Buncombe County, North Carolina-based non-profit that attempts to empower individuals with various challenges to reach their highest potential. Individuals with various challenges includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders...

The fifth annual ...Autism [practice-run] event at Asheville Regional Airport is [on] Saturday, January 25, from 9:00 am to noon. The free event provides an immersive, simulated airport experience for [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

Participants will arrive at the airport, check in for their “flight” at the ticket counter, go through airport security, wait at the gate, ...and board the plane for their pretend trip.

Travel is a wonderful experience for many; however, for our autistic friends, the air travel experience can be unfamiliar, potentially stressful, and feel out of reach. The Asheville Regional Airport is pleased to [work] with The Arc of Buncombe County, Allegiant, [and various other organisations/companies] to provide a practice airport experience to help [those affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, to] become more comfortable with the airport and airplane environments.

Here is a link to a video from the non-profit's Autism Airport practice run event from almost three years ago:

https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=243645443229769

[source: https://www.asheville.com/news/2020/...ism-on-jan-25/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from over a week ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, the Autism Society of Southern Arizona is a Tucson, Arizona-based non-profit that attempts to improve the lives of all individuals affected by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Tucson area...

More than a chance for fitness, the 13th Annual Autism Walk & Resource Fair, hosted by the Autism Society of Southern Arizona, will bring awareness ...to the Tucson community on April 6.

All are invited for a day including children’s activities, a “Zen Zone” calming space, an autism community resource fair, and more. And as the name suggests, this event also includes a team-based walk to raise funds to the autism community.

According to the Autism Society of Southern Arizona, this event is designed to provide a wealth of information to individuals and families affected by autism and to help educate and raise awareness and acceptance of this disorder.

This year, Premiere Wealth Advisors, LLC will be the title sponsor of the Autism Walk...

Here is a link to photos from the non-profit's Autism Walk and Resource Fair from about five-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Autismso...62060970513071

[source: https://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/new...ebc4d7eb4.html ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from nearly two weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, the Autism Society of Nebraska - Omaha is an Omaha, Nebraska-based non-profit that attempts to create Autism friendly events for its members. These members include children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Omaha metropolitan area...

...What: The Autism Society of Nebraska’s Annual Puzzle Walk and ...Run to raise money for the cost of services for [for those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, in Nebraska]. Along with the walk and run, [there is going to be] face painting, carnival games, character appearances and [plenty] of fun!

...Who: he Autism Society of Nebraska is holding the event to raise money and awareness of autism spectrum disorder. The participants of the puzzle walk and ...run are those affected by autism spectrum disorder as well as good-hearted people taking the time to help those affected by autism spectrum disorder.

Where: The puzzle walk and ...run as well as the indoor activities will be held at the Ralston Arena...

For More Information:

Haleigh Tomasek

Director of Media Relations...

Here is a link to photos from the non-profit's Autism Puzzle Walk from several years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/ASNOmaha...94990230773399

[source: https://hltomasek.wordpress.com/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from over two weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, the Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania's is an Erie, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides information and services specific to the local area...

The two-mile walk benefits the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania and is held to increase awareness of autism, fund projects and activities for individuals with autism in our community.

Adults and children alike may ...ride along in strollers or wagons, ...face painting, arts & crafts, [and] theme basket auction ...will be available.

Light lunch provided to Walk participants...

Here is a link to photos from the nonprofit's annual Walk, held at Presque Isle State Park, from about eight-and-a-half years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...3616517&type=3

[source: https://erie.macaronikid.com/events/...sle-state-park ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from over two weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southeast, New York City is also home to an annual Autism Speaks Walk...

...our team will be participating in the annual New York City Autism Speaks Walk...

As a speech-language and occupational therapy practice, we have the pleasure of working with many [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

We ...are proud of what makes them unique.

Through our participation in this event, we hope to spread awareness, promote compassion, and shed light on what makes these individuals remarkable.

...Please help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 by donating to our team's effort...

Here is a link to photos from the New York City Walk for Autism Speaks from just over two years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7324660&type=3

[source: http://communikidsnj.com/new-york-ci...aks-walk-2017/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from over two weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, the Coachella Valley Autism Society of America (CVASA) is a Riverside County, California-based nonprofit that attempts to provide services to individuals affected by Autism in the region. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert areas...

Location
Palm Desert Civic Center Park...

Join [many] individuals in the autism community as we [join] together for a morning of fun, awareness, [and] resources...

This event creates awareness but also helps to raise much needed funds to give [those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] the information [and] resources ...they need to live the highest quality of life.

All funds raised stay in the Coachella Valley...

We’ll be there [for] this amazing community and to share information about services we provide to those in our area...

Here is a link to photos from the Coachella Valley Autism Society's annual Walk from over three-and-a-half years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...8059864&type=3

[source: https://360behavioralhealth.com/even...y-autism-walk/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from nearly three weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the south, the Hampton Roads metropolitan area in Virginia is also home to an annual Autism Speaks Walk...

...This year the Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia will host our 9th Annual Autism Awareness [Walk] and Kids Fun Run.

The [event] will be held ...in Virginia Beach, VA.

This event will benefit Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia, our community based organization [that provides services for individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

...The [event] depends on volunteers like you to assist with helping the event run smoothly.

...There are a variety of task that you ...can participate in that include working set-up, break-down, working at kid stations, registration table, water stations, etc.

We would appreciate if you would consider volunteering.

Once you have registered as a volunteer, someone from our volunteer committee will contact you 1 week before the event with further details on task in which you will be assigned...

Here is a link to photos from the Hampton Roads Walk for Autism Speaks from just over two years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...5646493&type=3

[source: https://www.volunteerhr.org/opportun...000000WIKnRMAX ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from almost three weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the southwest, Cincinnati, Ohio is also home to an annual Autism Speaks Walk...

...One national organization is helping create awareness around it and raise money for research through a special event.

...[Many individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, participated in Cincinnati's annual Autism Speaks Walk on] Saturday.

...“The more that we can do for Autism Speaks, the better,” [Cherie Short, mother of an 8-year-old boy with an Autism Spectrum Disorder] said. “They’ve done a lot for us. They’ve been a great resource for us and they provide a lot of scientific research.”

The Short family and friends raised more than $3,000 this year for the Autism Speaks Cincinnati Walk, adding to the overall total of more than $83,000.

It's just a little more than $38,000 short of the Cincinnati goal.

“We can contribute to that and hopefully pay it forward and help somebody else like we were helped by this organization,” she said. “If we can help other people that’s the goal.”

Here is a link to a video from the Cincinnati Walk for Autism Speaks from over three-and-a-half years ago: https://www.facebook.com/AutismSpeak...54762931193078

[source: https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbu...aise-awareness ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from about three weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the south, the Howard County Autism Society (HCAS) is an Columbia, Maryland-based nonprofit that attempts to promote awareness of autism that values the dignity and uniqueness of each individual affected by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Howard County...

...The [HCAS] will hold its 11th Annual One Step Closer Walk and ...Run on Saturday, Oct. 7 [in] Ellicott City.

Proceeds from the event will [go to] HCAS’s programs and services for individuals [affected by Autism] ...and the local community.

The event will feature a timed ...run around [the lake], a Lake Walk of the same distance, and a shorter ...Piece of Cake Walk.

Online registration is available ...through Oct. 4. Race day registration is available on-site...

Here is a link to a video on the HCAS' 'Every Step Counts' event from a few months ago:
https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race...tsAutismWalk5K

[source: https://www.bizmonthly.com/nonprofit...ble-giving-11/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from over three weeks ago was Ottawa, Ontario, Canada being home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada. Autism Speaks is North America's leading Autism science and advocacy organisation.

To the northwest, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada...

Thousands of Edmontonians came together to walk [for] autism research...

[Many] Edmontonians laced up and walked at Rundle Park on Sunday as part of the fifth annual “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” event, raising awareness and money for autism research and services.

Organizers say its the biggest walk to date.

“Our goal was to raise $180,000 and I’ll be honest – I know we’re going to surpass it,” said Marcy Oakes-Henschel, events manager for Alberta with Autism Speaks Canada.

A number of teams contributed large amounts of money to the goal, after spending countless hours raising money in different ways.

[Oakes-Henschel said:] “It shows you the heart of the autism community and what a difference we need to make.”

...“The funds that we raise here are so crucial,” Oakes-Henschel said.

“All the money is going to help [those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders].”

An autism diagnosis means a stream of appointments, life changes and challenges for [them.]

...More than $216,000 was raised [for] Autism Speaks Canada.

Here is a link to a video from the Edmonton Autism Speaks Canada Walk from over seven years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7460546&type=3

[source: https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/thousand...ments-7.323681 ]