1 in 68 children in the United States is currently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
With these staggering statistics, you would think this issue would be on everyone's mind and a common topic of discussion. Unfortunately, it seems to me most of the time autism goes unnoticed, misunderstood and ignored.

1 in 68 - think about that for a moment. With numbers like that, you most likely know somebody, a friend, co-worker, family member or neighbor, whose life is touched by autism.
While I have been aware of autism for the past few years, I wasn't educated on how autism affects people, the statistics and research on autism or the organizations assisting those affected by ASD. It wasn't until JUST A FEW YEARS AGO, that autism became personal to my husband and I.

Our son Eddie was diagnosed and even though we took him to those appointments, the idea was to rule it out. We felt our worlds changing in the blink of an eye when the doctor said those words that we were sure she would not say. "Eddie in fact is autistic". Everything else I heard in that appointment after that was drowned out by my own selfish sobbing. We drove home in silence and could barely talk about it as husband and wife for days when I decided I wanted to learn more and get involved. I needed support, and not to shut down completely. So I joined a few mom groups for children on the spectrum and it was great to see I was not alone. The mothers I met were incredibly strong, loving and committed to their children. All of these women were posting things that are very similar to what we see and go through. You see Eddie may have just got diagnosed but we knew for a while that something was going on.

I also, with the push of a friend decided to do the autism speaks- walk and help raise money for the cause. All the while I was sucked into the world of autism awareness, walk day planning and fundraising.
Another friend who owns a business called and offered to do a fundraiser and donate a percentage of proceeds to the walk in Eddies name. So we got started - making flyers, making baskets for raffles, inviting friends, etc. This project touched me on an emotional level and inspired me to put my all behind the walk.
Maybe to others, Eddie was a happy, vibrant, adorable little boy. He looked like any other happy kid with just a few quirks; you never would expect that he had autism.
That's the thing about autism - it isn't always glaring or obvious. These children don't walk around with signs on that say "I have autism". Their struggles are internal and they are often times misunderstood by their peers.

Meeting these doctors and therapists and searching the internet for information for hours a day made autism REAL for me. I will walk for my son. I will walk for the others. We will do it together. Not alone. With the hope that we find the help, support and education we need with ASD. I walk because I am NOW A MOTHER- BUT THAT MAKES YOU A, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend, and cousin - and there are many of those out there who are affected by autism.
Now, I invite you to walk with me and TEAM UNBOUND HEROES - LITTLE EDDIE. This year, the Autism Speaks Walk Pittsburgh takes place on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Register with our team, your own team, get involved and share your stories, Eddie's story with others.