We are very excited to invite our family and friends to join us this year for the 3rd Annual Take a Step for Autism Walk and Fun Day! 

September 26,.2009 at Washington Park, Springfield IL

The walk will begin at 9:00 a.m.

According to the Autism Society of America -

In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report, which looked at a sample of 8 year olds in 2000 and 2002, concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to ASA or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

Currently, ASA estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).

This is just a small reason that our family is asking for your support.  Our children, Olivia and Abigail were diagnosed at age 2 with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Olivia, now 5, will begin Kindergarten in the Fall.  Abigail, age 4, will continue attending Early Childhood in the Fall.  Their brother, Devin, is developing "typically," but as parents of two girls with ASD, the unknown still remains. 

The Autism Society of America Central Illinois Chapter has given our family support through trainings, grants, and family outtings (that we would normally not brave).  Please join us in raising funds to continue helping Central Illinois families' affected by Autism.