WESTFIELD – The 13th Annual Western New England Walk Now For Autism Speaks had more than 1,300 participants and reached more than $100,000 in donations Saturday.
The walk, held at Stanley Park, was about more than just fundraising. The walk was a way for the Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community to come together.
Autism Speaks New England Chapter Director Russ Kenn thanked the crowd and said being there meant more than just coming together for one event.
“As so many of you already know, what we do here on this one day has a huge impact the other 364 days of the year as Autism Speaks staff and our volunteer leaders work to raise awareness, support families and advocate for better laws and policy in Massachusetts; and to fund scientific research across the world,” said Kenn. “So thank YOU. You make the future better for those who are impacted by autism.”
Returning team Jesse James and the Outlaw Walkers, of Westfield, cut the walk start banner as the team that raised the most money by walk day, and team Third Time’s The Charm served as walk marshals as the top new team.
Home Depot returned to the walk for the second year and held its popular kids’ workshop at the park. Everyone enjoyed apple cider made fresh at the walk with apples donated by Ray’s Farm and the West Parish Orchard. Student volunteers painted faces and helped run a tent full of sensory games, and a resource fair offered families information on ASD and what services are provided locally.
WWLP 22News Meteorologist Adam Strzempko served as Master of Ceremonies for the event and DJ Tony Pluta kept the dance party going on the center stage.
ASD and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role.
Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls.
Although the walk is over, donations can still be made through Dec. 31 at www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/wne. Team Ryan’s Rally For Autism is also hosting a Zombie Walk at Eastfield Mall Oct. 17. Information on that event is available on the Eastfield Mall web site and the Ryan’s Rally Facebook page.
