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 west, the Autism Society of Washington Spokane Chapter is a Spokane, Washington-based nonprofit that attempts to provide services to those individuals affected by Autsm. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Spokane area...

...Riverfront Park Forestry Shelter
Riverfront Park

Sunday, August 8, 2021 - 11am - 2pm

This ... annual event brings the community together [for] those [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders]. Visit/shop vendor booths to before and after the [Steps for Autism event]. Interactive sensory activities will be available, as well as an opportunity to gather information about local [Autism] programs, autism friendly businesses, providers and more.

Here is a link to a video from Spokane's Steps for Autism Walk from nearly four years ago:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=2039682106060963&external_log_id=52ee345c-e5ad-4ac6-8d50-29f8ed3feeab&q

[source: https://shine1049.org/event/steps-fo...m-spokane-2021 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from yesterday was the Autism Society of Washington Spokane Chapter, a Spokane, Washington-based nonprofit that attempts to provide services to those individuals affected by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Spokane area.

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

The Autism Speaks Canada Walk brings together the autism community to celebrate and [join together] and fuel Autism Speaks Canada’s mission...


...Ileana is 16 years old and was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.

...Ileana loves multitasking on her iPad and enjoys listening to music. One can often find Ileana searching for music videos on youTube and singing along. Ileana absolutely loves traveling. When its time to go on vacations, she gets super excited and even brings all our suitcases to the front door.

Ileana is honoured to represent Autism Speaks Canada as the local Ambassador for Ottawa and the National Walk Ambassador for Autism Speaks Canada’s 2020 Walks.

“Team Ileana looks forward to walking, raising money and creating awareness for autism...” – Elpitha Gournakis, Mother, Ottawa

Here is a link to a video from Ottawa's Autism Speaks Canada Walk from about three-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/watch?ref=s...6939235c41b5&q

[source: https://jumpradio.ca/event/23111/aut...ls-car-parade/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the post from yesterday 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, Montreal, Quebec, Canada is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks Canada...

...Date: Sunday, May 27th...

3km Walk: ...Outdoors at Molson Stadium. (approx. 30 [minutes]...

...Paul Karwatsky/CTV Montreal and Kim Kieran/The Beat 92.5 are co-emcees...

...The Opening Ceremony includes a welcome by ...ASC Executive Director, Jill Farber. ...The Opening Ceremony ends with a 5 min Walk Warm-Up – please join in.

...The Closing Ceremony ends with a song performance by I Can Dream Theatre...

Here is a link to photos from Montreal's Autism Speaks Canada Walk from about two-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...9361891&type=3

[source: http://www.lakeshoresoccer.ca/fr/blo...nday-may-27th/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of the 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 southwest, San Diego, California is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

...This Saturday you can [raise funds for Autism] research and programming by putting on your sneakers and walking.

The Autism Speaks San Diego Walk is on Oct. 5 at Liberty Station’s NTC Park. The event includes not only the walk, but also live entertainment, a resource fair featuring local service providers and partners and a kids’ zone...

The San Diego walk is one of [many such] walks across the country. In 2018, these walks raised $17.5 million to support research, programming and the diverse needs of the autism community. This year, San Diego has a goal of raising $128,000...

Here is a link to photos from San Diego's Autism Speaks Walk from over two years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...2076465&type=3

[source: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/lo...1-994a5f2bef44 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from almost 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 Central Illinois Autism Association (CIAA) is a Peoria, Illinois-based nonprofit that attempts to serve those individuals affected with Autism in the area. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Central Illinois...

...CIAA will host its 13th annual walk .... on Saturday, October 19th, 2019 at Bradley Park.

This is our largest fundraiser of the year... There are four levels of sponsorship: silver, bronze, and gold, and platinum...

Along with the sponsorship opportunities, there are additional ways you can help.

You can assist by placing a coin collector in your place of business, selling $1 Autism Awareness puzzle pieces, or donating to our raffle items that will be raffled off at the walk.

All the money raised from this event will directly benefit those affected by autism in our community [and allow us to] continue to promote Autism awareness in our community...

Here is a link to a video from CIAA's annual Autism Walk from just over two years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/CentralILAu...91662208453205

[source: https://autismpeoria.com/autism-5k-w...k-sponsorship/ ]

[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 south, the Central New York Chapter of the Autism Society of America is a DeWitt, New York-based nonprofit that attempts to provide services to those individuals affected by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Central New York State area...

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, [the Central New York Chapter of the Autism Society of America] typically invites the community to join us at its much anticipated and much loved annual "one piece at a time" Autism Awareness Walk...

Participants created their own team [and] also had the opportunity to raise funds [to provide] community programs for individuals with autism.

...Fundraising was not a requirement to participate in the Walk.

As always, our main goal is to raise awareness and acceptance of autism and its related disorders in our community.

Monies raised will enable [the nonprofit] to continue to enrich our community...

Here is a link to a video from the Central New York Chapter of the Autism Society of America's annual Walk from nearly four years ago: https://www.facebook.com/CNYASA/vide...55662607098981

[source: https://cnyasa.org/events ]

[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 southwest, Southwest Missouri is also home to an annual Autism Speaks Walk...

...The Burrell Autism Center will host the 2014 Community Autism Awareness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the center...

Chrystal Hays, who volunteers at the annual event, said the fair is a great opportunity for parents to connect and learn about different therapies and services available in the Ozarks.

"There's inflatables for the kids, and we always have somebody out there watching them," she said. "The education you'll find at the fair is priceless, and we can bring our kiddos and it's accepted and OK."

Admission is free...

"It's for the family or friends of people with autism spectrum disorders," Henderson said. "We invite other providers from southwest Missouri to come so [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] can come talk with all the providers in one place, (and) learn about services that other people are providing that might fit for their child."

There are more than 20 providers, and organizations planning to be at the fair include Counterpoint Autism Services at ARC of the Ozarks, [and] Touchpoint Autism Services.

Henderson said she hopes to see people who are newly diagnosed, as well as [individuals affected by Autism] that have years experience dealing with autism spectrum disorders.

"It's a time for [them] to meet [others in a similar situation as them]," she said. "It's a time to make those connections as well."...

Here is a link to photos from the Southwest Missouri Walk for Autism Speaks from over eight years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...9435399&type=3

[source: https://www.news-leader.com/story/ne...ldren/7530607/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from just 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, Columbus, Ohio is also home to an annual Autism Speaks Walk...

Autistic children and [other individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders] will walk this weekend in an attempt to solve the puzzle...

Last year's Columbus walk welcomed [many] people and raised more than $1 million, said NBC4 Sports Director Jerod Smalley.

Smalley serves as the co-chair for Walk Now for Autism Speaks Columbus and is the father of two boys diagnosed with Autism.

Smalley's sons Brady, age 8, and Tyler, age 5, were each diagnosed with autism when they were almost 2 years old. Brady had no language skills and could not make eye contact or play with toys, Smalley said...

Here is a link to a video on the Columbus, Ohio Walk for Autism Speaks from over a year ago:
https://www.facebook.com/AutismSpeak...39162999859771

[source: https://www.thelantern.com/2013/10/w...ch-supporters/ ]

[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 south, Walk for Autism Charleston is an annual event held at Hampton Park in Charleston, South Carolina. The event raises awareness and funds for the Charleston Walk for Autism nonprofit organisation...

Take a stroll through Hampton Park during this annual event aimed at raising awareness of ...and funds for [those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

Walk for Autism’s Charleston branch has held this trek since 2003 and raised more than $20,000 in 2018 alone.

After getting your steps in, enjoy free refreshments as you listen to live music and participate in the silent auction.

There also will be kid-friendly activities, such as ... therapy dogs to assist attendees in need...

Here is a link to photos from the Walk for Autism Charleston event from nearly seven years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...8456318&type=3

[source: https://charlestonmag.com/walk_for_autism_charleston_1 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from just 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 south, Miami, Florida is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

The Miami-Dade division of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the 14th annual Miami Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on April 6 at JC Bermudez Park in Doral.

All event proceeds will [go to] Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, ...in Miami-Dade County and beyond.

Each Walk Now for Autism Speaks event is unique, offering a safe and fun day for [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.] The day includes a two-mile Walk and Community Resource fair with educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities – a true “one-stop-shop” for [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.]

...Local sponsors include South Florida Ford, Sedano’s Supermarkets, BDO ...TD Bank, City of Doral, FPL, ...FirstBank Florida, ...SunTrust Bank, DHL, Mercantil Commercebank, Robert and Patricia Cambo, Michelle and Ralph Cruz, Coca-Cola Company, and Publix Super Markets...

Here is a link to photos from the Greater Miami Autism Speaks Walk from about three-and-a-half years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7875085&type=3

[source: https://miamilaker.com/autism-speaks...-park-in-doral ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from just 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.

In the United Kingdom, the North East Autism Society is a Tyne and Wear-based nonprofit that attempts to empower those individuals affected by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the region...

The region's only annual Walk for Autism is back. Taking place once again in Herrington Country Park, on April 17th , [many individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] are expected to tackle the one-mile route to raise funds for the Society's free lifeline services...

At only £5 per adult and under-18s going free [it is] a great day out and will let our region know that this is something we need to pay attention to. You can also raise sponsorship to help raise funds for our lifeline services.

There will be various activities happening as well as catering on the day.

Here is a link to photos from the North East Autism Society's Walk, held in Sunderland, from almost four years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...8229820&type=3

[source: http://whatsoninthenortheast.co.uk/e...r-autism/98582 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from just 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, Houston, Texas is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

The Houston market of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, will hold its 2019 Houston Autism Speaks Walk event on Saturday, October 19^th at Lynn Eusan Park at The University of Houston with [many expected participants]. Proceeds from Houston’s 15th annual Walk will [go towards] Autism Speaks...

Autism Speaks Walk is the world’s largest fundraising event to enhance the lives of people with autism today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow...

The Houston Walk will include a ...walk around The University’s campus and a Community Resource Fair to connect [those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] with local educational resources, therapists, recreational programs and child-friendly activities.

In recent years, Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in the Houston area. Through its Local Grants Program, Autism Speaks has provided funding to innovative local service providers. They include: ...The HUB Houston, Inc., ...The ARC of Greater Houston, Young Audiences of Houston, Discover Fitness Foundation, and more. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at local research institutions, including [the] University of Texas Health Science Center- Houston.

“The Houston Autism Speaks Walk is helping fund vital services and innovative solutions that improve quality of life for people with autism in our community,” said Kaitlin Bracken, Autism Speaks Houston Director, Field Development. “We are eager to [make efforts for the] crucial work by researchers, service providers, and medical experts, both close to home and all across the country.”

...Local sponsors of the walk include: Blue Sprig, APARA Autism Center, Applied Behavior Learning Center, Behavior TLC, ...CARE, ...KPRC, ...MedCare Pediatric Therapy and Nursing, LaLa HealthCare Solutions, LLC part of Momentus Health Services, Pinecone Therapies, Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., ...Therapy 2000, [and] Therapy & Beyond...

Here is a link to photos from Houston's Autism Speaks Walk from about two-and-a-half months ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1510593&type=3

[source: https://thepostnewspaper.net/2019/10...ism-community/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from just 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 South Carolina Autism Society is a Columbia, South Carolina-based nonprofit that attempts to equip those individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders with knowledge and services to maximise their quality of life. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in South Carolina...

This weekend, the South Carolina Autism Society is hosting their yearly fundraising event here at the Irmo Community Park.

This will be the 13th annual Strides for Autism Walk where anyone impacted by any kind of autism gets an opportunity to come together for a meaningful walk followed by fun events and performances at the Irmo Community Park Amphitheater.

“We’ll walk, which is the major thing, have some entertainment, network," Executive Director of the SC Autism Society James Mack told us, "A lot of times [individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] aren’t able to get out into the community so this gives them an opportunity to get out into the community as well.”

Teams and individuals who plan on walking are asked to register online... You [are going to receive] an event T-Shirt [for registering].

The event is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will have a ...a video game truck and [other Autism-friendly] activities...

Here is a link to photos from the South Carolina Autism Society's Midlands Strides for Autism Walk from almost six years ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1851296&type=3

[source: https://www.wltx.com/article/news/wa...a-7ec550b9b688 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from just over 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, Columbus, Ohio is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

Join the Casa Speech team for the 2021 Columbus Autism Speaks Walk!

Register and walk with us and/or help us meet our goal of $500!

You can register [online] and join us for the walk...

Hope to see you there...

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

[source: https://happeningnext.com/event/colu...-eid3a0893kn56 ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from just over 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 west, Portland, Oregon is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

...This year the [Autism Society of Oregon's] ...annual Autism Walk fundraiser [is going to be held] at Oaks Park in SE Portland on August 15th. The event will include a wide variety of fun activities for individuals with autism and their supporters.

ASO says the event will be “[an] autism-friendly community event celebrating the people we love on the autism spectrum.” Some of these activities include the half-mile walk that gives the event its namesake, a photo booth, a water display courtesy of Portland Fire and Rescue, and sewing/needlecrafts with PDX Stitch. Additionally, the nonprofit has partnered with several local groups and organizations such as Cosplay Characters for Kindness and Portland Ghostbusters who dress up as fictional characters and attend charity events for photos and to make attendees smile.

...All funds raised for the Autism Walk will go towards [the Autism Society of Oregon's] various programs and resources... [The Autism Society of Oregon attempts] to maximize the quality of life of Oregonians on the autism spectrum... Money raised at this event will be used to create further educational materials on what autism is, and resources for those on the spectrum... In addition to informational resources, funding for [the Autism Society of Oregon] will also go towards the organization’s initiatives [for those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,] including the “take a break” and “take a breather” programs which put vouchers or tickets for activities or monetary funds into the hands of autistic Oregonians and their caregivers.

In addition to these programs, [the Autism Society of Oregon] also hosts workshops, classes, and webinars to educate Oregon about autism and how to approach it...

Here is a link to photos from the Portland, Oregon Autism Speaks Walk from about seven-and-a-half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...0517597&type=3

[source: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/...lk-fundraiser/ ]

[Visionary7903]

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

To the southwest, Atlanta, Georgia is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

The Autism Speaks Georgia [Walk] is a ...fundraising event [for] Autism Speaks. We invite you to run (or walk) with us... Your fundraising efforts will empower our work to promote solutions for the needs of [those individuals affected by Autism, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders] – including those in urgent need of resources right now – and fuel our continued commitment to create a kinder, more inclusive world for people with autism.

Every registered participant will be sent a commemorative event shirt...

Here is a link to photos from Atlanta's Autism Speaks Walk from about three months ago: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...0130267&type=3

[source: https://act.autismspeaks.org/site/TR...=6395&pg=entry ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from over 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 southeast, Mercer County in New Jersey is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

"Team Ethan- Autism Speaks Walk [Mercer County], NJ - Had a great time at the walk. Shirts [impressed]. They arrived exactly when they said they would. [It was great] working with CustomInk- will definately use again!"...
- Cathlyn (Oct 13, 2017)

Here is a link to a video from Mercer County, New Jersey's Autism Speaks Walk from over five years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/AutismSpeak...09851572635252

[source: https://www.customink.com/photos/tea...k-princeton-nj ]

[Visionary7903]

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

To the southwest, Autism Ontario Huron Perth is a Stratford, Ontario, Canada-based nonprofit that attempts to increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals affected by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Huron Perth area...

The local Autism Ontario chapter was struggling financially 11 years ago when Doris Barkley came up with the idea to start a walk to raise much-needed funds.

Barkley’s son was three when was diagnosed with autism...

“We didn’t have very many resources to get [individuals affected by Autism] together and to help others, and there were very few walks at the time – now there are lots,” Barkley said Sunday during the annual Autism Walk for Stratford. “The whole goal is to raise funds to help put on activities to bring our families together.”

There are two walks each year – one in Goderich in June, and Stratford in September – that serve as the Huron-Perth chapter’s only fundraisers.

Around $15,000 is raised annually to help pay for services like respite care and special one-to-one programs that are more costly if a child wants to take swimming or skating lessons or go to camp.

“Often we feel very isolated, and Huron-Perth is really rural, so you’re doubly isolated,” Barkley said. “(The walks) bring people out not being alone and knowing you can call someone and there’s always support. We’re all volunteers.

“You cross so many paths you never would have in your life, all walks of life, all ages and ranges.”

Barkley quit her full-time job and has dedicated herself to volunteerism.

...“There’s no one cause,” she said. “Why does the brain develop differently? Is it environmental? Is it we are what we eat? Who knows. It’s just an anomaly in the brain.”
About 75-80 participants joined in Sunday’s walk ... with pizza and entertainment at the pavilion.

Here is a link to a video the nonprofit's Stratford, Ontario Walk for Autism from nearly three-and-a-half years ago: Watch | Facebook

[source: Walking for autism awareness | The Stratford Beacon Herald ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from almost two months 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's is an Ellicott City, Maryland-based nonprofit that provides services for those individuals affected by Autism. This includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Howard County...

Whether you run it, walk it, volunteer or cheer, the Howard County Autism Society’s One Step Closer Autism Walk [and] Run is sure to leave you inspired, a bit exhausted, and certainly elated at the prospect of [raising funds for the many] individuals with autism who reside in Howard County. This 12th annual event will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, [Maryland.] All proceeds from the event stay in Howard County and directly impact the lives of children and adults with autism. This year’s goal is to raise $65,000.

Each [autumn] the event builds autism awareness and acceptance in the community, bringing together those touched by the autism spectrum disorder in a supportive, energizing and fun environment. The Howard County Autism Society provides a place where the local community can benefit from families’ collective experience and expertise, helping others navigate the path they themselves have traveled on this journey.

Here is a link to photos from the nonprofit's 'One Step Closer' Walk from nearly two-and-a half years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...8943710&type=3

[source: https://dc101.iheart.com/content/201...m-walk-5k-run/ ]

[Visionary7903]

The subject of a post from about two months 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, Iowa is also home to an annual Walk for Autism Speaks...

Come rain or shine Saturday afternoon, people hoping to raise both awareness and money for Autism awareness will take to the roads of Sunset Park for the second time and are inviting all interested parties to attend.

The Second Annual Walk for Autism Awareness is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Registration is $5 and all proceeds will go to the Iowa chapter of [Autism Speaks]. Organizer Cole Davies said that last year's walk raised over $800.

"Me and the other person who is hosting the walk with me currently work with individuals [with Autism Spectrum Disorders]," Davies, also [a] professional at REM Iowa, said. "We kind of have a personal relationship with the individuals we [serve with Autism Spectrum Disorders]."

...People wishing to participate can show up at Sunset Park between 3 and 5 p.m. There is also a Facebook page with more information on the event.

...Davies said [that] "People with [Autism] are ...just like us, but have different development. I feel this is a way to ... give them a voice."

Here is a link to photos from the Iowa Autism Speaks Walk from nearly eight years ago:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1829799&type=3

[source: https://www.southeastiowaunion.com/n...alk-scheduled/ ]