Autism Speaks

With April being Autism Awareness month, there are many activities and events throughout our community to raise money and awareness for individuals living with autism.  One of the largest fundraising events in the Tampa Bay area is the Walk Now for Autism Speaks Tampa event which will take place on April 20th at Raymond James Stadium.  Registration begins at 9:00am and the walk begins promptly at 10:30am.  There will also be a resource fair for parents looking for local community resources as well as vendors serving food and beverages.  In addition to the Tampa event, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held all throughout the country in the month of April from Los Angeles to Miami. To find a walk near you, please visit: http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/site/c.igIRL6PIJrH/b.7683511/k.2EFB/Walk_Now_for_Autism_Speaks_Home.htm

For the last several years, Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay, an organization aimed at providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism, has participated in the resource fair and coordinated a team in order to help raise money for this great cause.  This year, the BCOTB team has 13 members and has raised over $2,200.00 through email campaigns, restaurant fundraisers, and auctions/raffles.  The money raised will go towards vital autism research, treatment and awareness. So far this year, the 2013 Tampa walk has raised more than $65,000.00 with more money expected to come in prior to walk day.

Autism Speaks was founded by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism, in 2005.  A donation was provided by a friend of theirs in the amount of 25 million dollars to launch the organization.  Since that time, Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading science and advocacy organization funding vital research, increasing awareness of autism, and advocating for those living with autism.  In addition to these efforts, Autism Speaks was the leading organization to assist with the passing of the Florida Legislation (The Window of Opportunity Act) which requires insurance carriers to pay for autism therapies including Applied Behavior Analysis. Due to their efforts, hundreds of local families have access to much needed therapies that have shown to be effective, through research, for individuals with autism.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the US affecting 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 boys).  There is no known cause or cure for autism and families can expect to pay upwards of $60,000.00 annually to raise a child on the autism spectrum.  Without organizations like Autism Speaks, these children and their families would not have a voice.  Many thanks to Autism Speaks and their efforts as it relates to the autism community.

For more information about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/.