Walk Now For Autism Kickoff Luncheons

Walk Now for Autism Kickoff Luncheons

The Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism kickoff luncheons will be held on
Saturday, September 6 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at The Three Oaks Banquet
Center in Estero and Saturday, September 13 from noon – 2pm at Carrabba's
in Port Charlotte. Both events are free, open to the public and include
lunch provided by Carrabba's.

Attendees will learn about the Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism, how
to create a team, and how the money raised helps Autism Speaks with their
mission of increasing awareness and funding research, advocacy and family
services.

The Southwest Florida Walk Now for Autism will be held on Saturday,
November 8 at Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard,
Estero. Attendees from Sarasota to Naples are expected to participate.
Last year's walk drew over 2,500 participants and raised over $235,000.

Today, 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism (1 in 94 boys) and a new
case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes. Autism is the fastest-growing
serious developmental disability in the United States. More children will
be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer
combined.

To rsvp for a luncheon or to register for the walk, go to
www.walknowforautism.org/southwestflorida and click on "register" and
"attend a kickoff" or call (866) 441-6227.



About Autism
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to
communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by
extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in
one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys
as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a
national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's largest autism advocacy organization,
dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding
research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to
advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It
was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of
a child with autism. For more information about autism and Autism Speaks,
please visit www.autismspeaks.org