Thousands of Jersey Shore residents touched by the effects of autism will join together at the inaugural New Jersey Shore Walk for Autism Research. The walk will take place on Sept. 30 at Manasquan Beach in Manasquan. Check-in time is at 10 a.m. and the walk will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Participants in the New Jersey Shore Walk for Autism Research will raise funds for scientific research and increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders.
According to a press release, the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Autism Speaks recently merged operations under the Autism Speaks banner and are working together to expand NAAR’s existing national walk program. All proceeds from the New Jersey Shore Walk for Autism Research will benefit Autism Speaks, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism and raising money to fund autism research.
The Walk for Autism Research is the signature fundraising event for the new Autism Speaks. Established by NAAR in 2000, Walk for Autism Research events have attracted hundreds of thousands of walkers worldwide who have raised tens of millions of dollars for autism research, according to the press release.
“I am ecstatic about bringing a Walk for Autism Research to the Jersey Shore,” said Janice McGreevey, chair of the New Jersey Shore Walk for Autism Research. “Our walk is going to be more than a fundraiser. It will bring Jersey Shore families together for a special day of activities and games, and it will provide those families with the chance to meet other families and community supporters who are committed to finding answers for all those who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.”
For more information about the walk and how to join the effort by walking, contributing or volunteering, visit the New Jersey Shore Walk for Autism Research Internet Web site at www.autismwalk.org/njs, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-888-777-6227, ext. 15.
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. According to the press release, one in 166 children is now diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, including one in 104 boys. Another child is diagnosed every 20 minutes.