Autism Awareness is World Wide

April 2, 2008 was declared "World Autism Awareness Day" by the United Nations. An unprecedented global effort to heighten awareness about a disorder affecting millions of individuals and families around the world. The April 2 events will take place on three continents.

April is Autism Awareness Month. The UN in stepping up awareness by announcing the 2nd day of April to raise awareness around the world and with good reason.

In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDME autism prevalence report. The report, which looked at a sample of 8 year olds in 2000 and 2002, concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to ASA (Autism Society of America) or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of support for their children. Currently, ASA estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs.)

April 12, 2008 Autism Speaks will be holding a "Walk For Autism " in Atlanta, Ga., at Atlantic Station raising awareness and funds for research. Several families from Blairsville will be participating in the walk.

For more information on the "Walk for Autism" please visit www.autismwalk.org/georgia or contact Becky Tracy at bukslayert@ alltel.net or 706-781- 6965.

Anyone who would like to make a tax deductible donation in the name of Trevor Tracy's Walking Team - "Team Trevor" may go to the walk website (www.autismwalk.org/georgia) then select "search for a walker," type in Trevor Tracy, then select "support a walker." Thank you to our wonderful community for all your support in the past and future.