Sign Up for Owen's Special Day, Autism Speaks 5K

From Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks will host its 17th annual 5K Run - 1 Mile Walk fundraising event on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017, from 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. in Potomac, MD. The day includes a timed 5K run and a family-friendly 1 mile walk through a scenic neighborhood.

Make no mistake about it, Owen, an 18-year-old young man on the autism spectrum and a regular at the
Autism Speaks 5K, firmly believes that this is “his” race. It’s a place where he can be himself without the
fear of stares or judgement of others. It’s where he surrounds himself with the love of family and
friends, and it’s a place where he is encouraged, applauded, and celebrated. The Autism Speaks 5K on
the 4th of July is like Christmas Day for Owen. This year, while turning 18 and becoming an adult with
autism spectrum disorder, Owen decided to train for the race with his father, Ed. While he may not run
the entire 5K, there won’t be anyone present on July 4th who is more excited and anxious than Owen.

As he does every year, Owen will make an incredible effort to tune out the two things about which he is
most anxious: crowds and noise. He will put a big smile on his face, say hello and shake hands with
everyone he meets, and thoroughly enjoy “his” day.

With 1 in 68 children diagnosed with autism, we need answers and we need them now. Please join us in
our mission to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders by partnering with
us in our 2017 Autism Speaks 5K.

2017 Autism Speaks 5K Details:
● Starting Line: Potomac Village Library - 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac, MD 20854
● 7:30 am - Pre-Race Warm Up
● 8:00 am - 5K Run Starts
● 8:10 am - 1-Mile Walk Starts
● 9:30 am - Closing Ceremonies

For more information on the Autism Speaks 5K - 1 Mile Walk, please visit AutismSpeaks5K.org
1990 K Street NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20006 P: (202) 955-3111 F: (202) 955-3115
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges
with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique
strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most caused
by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. An estimated 1 in 68 children is on the
autism spectrum.

Photos courtesy of Autism Speaks