**Last year's 2nd annual walk was a HUGE SUCCESS...Let's make this year's walk an even bigger success!**  GO J WALKERS!!

APRIL IS NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

AUTISM -- Ask questions - Understand - Tell a Friend - Include - Show your support - Make a difference.

As most of you know, autism is a disability that is close to my heart, as Jordon (who is now 11 yrs old) was first diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder @ the age of 4.  The challenges of parenting a child on the spectrum are unique and endless - with the most prevalent ones being to ensure that he has the best and most appropriate educational environment and placement, resources and support systems available. Through the commitment and efforts of Autism Delaware, Jordon is now able to take advantage of resources and opportunities and to pariticipate in events/activities that were unavailable to him, prior to our move to Delaware. 

DEFINITION:  Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three (3) years of life and is the result of neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.  Both children and adults with autism show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities.  Each individual is affected differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is crucial.

FACTS:

~  autism affects 1 in 150 births and almost 1 in 94 boys

~  as many as 1.5 million Americans today have some form of autism

~  In Delaware, the rate of autism is 1 in 300-400 births

~  Families can spend $3,000 per month or more on therapies for their autistic child(ren)

~  it's the fastest growing developmental disability @ a rate of 10-17% annually

~  In Delaware, the rate of autism has steadily increased 7-10% per year for the last 10 years

~  it costs $90 billion annually to care for persons with autism and that figure is projected to increase to $200-400 billion within ten years.

Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child.

We can make a difference...together!  Jordon and I are committed to making a difference through our participation in the "Third Annual Walk for Autism" walk.  Please help us raise money for Autism Delaware and consider making a donation...any and all amounts are appreciated...to help us reach our goal! 

 Your donation will assist Autism Delaware in funding: 

 ~  an expansion of its services to meet the needs of families

~  sponsorship of more family events

~  development of an adult support services program 

 ~  social skills training programs

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure.  It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Also, remember to check with your company to see if it has a matching gift program.

If you'd prefer to make a donation "offline," checks are accepted payable to  "Autism Delaware" with "3rd Annual Walk for Autism" written on the memo line.  Please contact me for the mailing address.

Remember to share this fundraising page with others -- in doing so, we're one+ person closer to increasing awareness and providing much needed support for Autism Delaware!  Visit their website to learn more @ www.delautism.org.  Lastly, if you'd like to walk with us, please let me know - we'd love to have you join our team - The J Walkers!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT!  SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR OFFLINE SUPPORTERS! 

Val & Jordon