Broward Walk Now for Autism Speaks to Raise Awareness and Funds on Sat., Sept. 26 at Nova Southeastern University

Miami, FL, July 13, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​​The South Florida chapter of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, will hold its 2015 Broward Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Sat., Sept. 26 at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Proceeds from the walk will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness of autism, fund innovative research and family services, and advocate for the needs of people with autism and their families.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 68 children – and 1 in 42 boys. Autism Speaks addresses the needs of families with free online tool kits, as well as resources for education, housing, and employment. The majority of Autism Speaks’ funding goes toward research into causes and treatments of the disorder.

"Broward's Walk Now for Autism Speaks is helping fund vital services and innovative ideas that improve the quality of life for people in our community."

Neal Shapiro, Walk Chair

Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraisers for the non-profit organization, drawing hundreds of thousands of volunteers in more than 100 cities across North America. Each Walk Now for Autism Speaks event is unique to its host city.

The Broward event, which launches at Nova’s Alvin Sherman Library Green, will include opening ceremonies emceed by Nathalie Rodriguez of I Heart Media and Carey Codd of CBS4. Local government officials will commemorate Autism Speaks’ 10th anniversary.

Other highlights of the day include photo opportunities with sports team mascots and cheerleaders, great food and an extensive resource fair, providing families with “one-stop shopping” for educational options, therapists, recreational programs, child-friendly activities, and other vital autism services.

Autism Speaks already is having a significant impact on the Broward community. Through its Family Services South Florida Chapter Grant Program, Autism Speaks has awarded funding to innovative service providers including Jewish Adoption & Foster Care Options (JAFCO), Picasso Einstein LLC, YMCA of Broward County, and Mailman Segal Center at Nova Southeastern University.

“Broward’s Walk Now for Autism Speaks is helping fund vital services and innovative ideas that improve the quality of life for people in our community,” said Walk Chair Neal Shapiro, Director of Development at Butterfly Effects. “We’re eager to support that crucial work by researchers, service providers, and medical experts, both close to home and all across the country.”

Local sponsors include Visionary Sponsor South Florida Ford, Nova Southeastern University, Aon Risk – Florida, Publix Super Markets, FedEx, Butterfly Effects, Florida Panthers, Baptist Health South Florida, Rand Marketing, MCNA Dental, Joe Hillman Plumbers, Stryker Mako, UM-NSU CARD, Hamilton Group Funding, and City Furniture. Media partners include Univision 23, CBS 4, Univision Radio, and I Heart Radio.

For more information about the Broward Walk Now for Autism Speaks, please visit: WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org/broward. Or contact 786-235-1165 extension 3 or [email protected] ​

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $550 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

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