Walk for Autism early bird deadline is Jan. 25; walk set April 5

Autism Delaware announces that the Lewes leg of the 2014 Walk for Autism is set for Saturday, April 5. Stepping off at the scenic Cape Henlopen State Park, the annual fundraiser supports much-needed Autism Delaware programs and services. The Wilmington leg of the statewide event takes place April 12 at a new location, Fox Point State Park on the Delaware River.

For either leg of the Walk for Autism, each team will be entered into a drawing for early-bird perks once the team is registered and has raised at least $25 in donations by Saturday, Jan. 25. The range of possible Walk for Autism perks includes four VIP parking spots on walk day and a reserved picnic spot for as many as 20 people. Also, the team's loved one with ASD could be next year’s grand marshal. The team’s photo could be featured in 2015’s event advertising or on Autism Delaware’s Facebook cover for a month. And a team member could kick off next year’s event by cutting the ribbon as the team stands front and center at the starting line.

For more information, visit autismdelaware.org.

With the ever-growing need for services statewide, Autism Delaware is expanding to provide a range of services needed by all Delawareans living with autism spectrum disorder over their lifespans. To this end, the nonprofit autism agency relies on volunteers and sponsors as well as fundraisers.

“Our goal,” said Autism Delaware Events Manager Deanna Principe, “is to raise as much as possible to provide services through Autism Delaware that benefit individuals with ASD. We need walkers to fundraise, volunteers to help run the event, and business and corporate leaders to sponsor it.”

“The need for autism services and support is rising rapidly,” adds Autism Delaware Executive Director Teresa Avery. “The CDC now says that one in 88 children is identified with an ASD. In 1991, the Delaware Department of Education reported 152 public school students with autism - and 1,208 in 2012! That’s a 695 percent increase over 21 years."

Avery added, “Families affected by ASD can need a wide range of services. Everything from clinical to employment and residential services, not to mention family support and information. We must continue to grow to meet the growing need. Our goal for the statewide Walk for Autism is to raise $200,000.”

Autism Delaware is a nonprofit organization made up of individuals with ASD, their family members, the professionals who serve them, and friends of people with ASD. The agency’s mission is to help people and families affected by ASD. With offices in Newark, Dover, and Milton, Autism Delaware serves the entire state.

Fundraising events like the Walk for Autism help provide the income needed to make critical programs a reality. For more information on how to help, visit autismdelaware.org.