Thousands to Join Autism Speaks’ Annual Walk Now for Autism at NSU

Nova Southeastern University is host site for annual autism research fundraising and awareness event

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Thousands of walkers – including individuals with autism, their families and friends – will join together at Autism Speaks’ Annual Broward County Walk Now for Autism on Saturday, April 17, at the Alvin Sherman Library Green located on Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) main campus – 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event which raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism in our society today. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that an average of 1 in 110 children in the U.S. is affected by some form of autism disorder.

Beyond raising awareness about autism, participants walk to raise funds for critical scientific research on autism – one of the fastest growing developmental disorders affecting young children. Proceeds from the event benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy organization.

Last year walkers raised nearly $343,000.

The day includes a half-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. 

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Another child is diagnosed every 20 minutes.

• What:           Autism Speaks’ Annual Broward County Walk Now for Autism
• When:           Saturday, April 17, 2010
  • 8:30 a.m. – Registration and Resource Fair
  • 9:15 a.m. – Open ceremonies
  • 10:00 a.m. – Walk begins
• Where:        Alvin Sherman Library Green at Nova Southeastern University, 3301   College Ave. in Davie.
• HOW:             To register, visit www.walknowforautism.org/broward

About Autism: Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years.  Wright also serves on the board of directors of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and Mission Product, LLC.  To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Media Contact:
Felecia Henderson, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5315 (office), 954-383-4695 (cell), fhenders@nova.edu