Help support Autism Speaks LI by walking with me or donating today! 

Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to their surroundings or form relationships with others. Autism spectrum disorders affect people of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and occur in as many as one in 44 births, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. And the numbers are still rising! Currently the cause of autism is unknown. There are no specific medical treatments or a cure for autism. Most people with autism require lifelong supervision and care. Only 7% of children with autism go on to be independent. Recent studies suggest that more than 1 million Americans are living with an autism spectrum disorder. Despite the strikingly high prevalence of autism, autism research remains one of the lowest funded areas of medical research by both public and private sources. But funding for research is woefully inadequate. Only through biomedical research will we ever understand what causes autism and develop methods to diagnose autism. Someday, with your help, we will find a cure!

My parents, SUSAN and RAY, along with other family members and friends have been walking for ME since 2016; please consider walking with us on Sunday October 13th at Jones Beach and/or or making a tax-deductible donation today; any contribution will be greatly appreciated!

** 85 cents of every dollar raised funds research, advocacy, programs, and services **