October Is The Month For Autism Awareness

by Kat Brewer


October is celebrated annually as autism awareness month. During the month, numerous groups take action by running local events to support families and individuals who are affected by autism. In St. Louis this year, the support has been tremendous from the start of the month. The main event in St. Louis, Walk Now for Autism Speaks, has already raised roughly $423,148 in support. This event featured a 5k run that took place at 7:30 a.m. on October 12, just before the walk. Autism Speaks Walks takes place all over the United States and Canada every year and unite hundreds of thousands of groups in support of autism research and autism awareness.

Another local event that has taken place in St. Louis this month is the Arc in the Park awareness picnic on October 5, held at Tiemeyer Park in St. Ann. St. Louis Arc is a local nonprofit group that provides individualized services to those affected by autism. The Arc holds events all year round; they promote donations to their cause and are always looking for volunteers for events.

Missed the October events? It’s never too late to spread the word about autism! April is Support Autism Month, during the month, families are urged to “light it up blue” by shining a blue bulb in their porch light all month for autism. Any time of the year is a great time to sport an autism puzzle piece on a shirt, bag, hat or even bumper sticker. Events in support of autism take place all around St. Louis during all seasons, and there is always room to volunteer.

For more information about Autism Speaks, visit their website at www.autismspeaks.org. For more information about the Arc in the Park, donating to the Arc, or how to volunteer, visit www.slarc.org or call 314-569-2211.

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