Autism Speaks Walk Set for April 23

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Imagine a girl with a genius-level IQ who doesn’t understand what it means when her body tells her she’s hungry. Or parents who hear their son’s beautiful laugh, only to realize he’ll never share that laughter with anyone but himself.

Autism Speaks imagines a world where these scenarios never happen again.

The Tampa Bay Chapter of the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization will host the 2016 Tampa Bay Autism Speaks Walk on Saturday, April 23 at Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive. The event is sponsored by Alpha Xi Delta women's fraternity.

Proceeds from the event will support Autism Speaks’ work to fund scientific research and family services, raise awareness, and advocate for the needs of people with autism and their families in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Registration and check-in for the walk starts at 9 a.m. with entry through Gate 1. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and lasts for about 1 mile. The family-friendly event will feature inflatables, face painting, a drum circle, performances by people with autism, and other activities. There will also be information about autism resources in the Tampa Bay area.

Autism spectrum disorder is a general term for a group of disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized by varying degrees of social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently estimates that 1 in 68 American children is affected by ASD.

The Autism Speaks Walk is Autism Speaks’ signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in nearly 60 communities across the United States and Canada. The events are put on by volunteers, people with autism, families with members on the spectrum, and local businesses.

Through its Family Services Community Grant, Autism Speaks has provided funding to local service providers.

“Tampa Bay’s Autism Speaks Walk is helping fund vital services and innovative ideas that improve the quality of life for people in our community,” said Julie Reyes, Autism Speaks State Advocacy and Tampa Bay Development Volunteer Chair. “We’re eager to support that crucial work by researchers, service providers, and medical experts both close to home and all across the country.”

Alpha Xi Delta is the North American sponsor of the Autism Speaks Walk. Since 2009, the women’s fraternity has raised more than $4 million for Autism Speaks and volunteer and walk at Autism Speaks Walk events nationwide.

“We’re very proud of the work our member have helped Autism Speaks accomplish,” said Elysia Gallivan, the executive director of Alpha Xi Delta. “The partnership is especially meaningful for our sisters, families, and friends as the number of people affected by autism continues to increase.”

Local sponsors of the Tampa Bay walk include the Tampa Bay Rays, Outback Steakhouse, Raymond James, among others.

For more information about the 2016 Tampa Bay Autism Speaks Walk, visit autismspeakswalk.org or contact Katie Mulford at 203-520-7449 or katie_mulford@yahoo.com.

Screen capture courtesy of Autism Speaks

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