March 23, 2005

National Alliance For Autism Research Brings Autism Walk To Nova Southeastern University
Walk FAR for NAAR, Saturday, April 9, 2005, 9 a.m.—noon

FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE—Families throughout South Florida are invited to a day of games, food, and entertainment as Nova Southeastern University hosts the National Alliance for Autism Research autism walk.

The Broward County Walk FAR for NAAR will benefit cutting-edge scientific research into the causes, treatments and possible cures for the autism spectrum disorders which affect over 1.6 million children nationwide.

The event is slated for April 9 during National Autism Awareness Month. It will feature two large bounce houses, an obstacle course for children, cotton candy, snow cones and an activity tent. Water will be distributed along the one-mile walk route.

“Autism continues to be one of the lowest funded disorders nationally although its numbers of individuals affected are growing at epidemic levels,” said Dawn Ward, local co-chairperson. “Without increased funding for biomedical research, we cannot understand and cure this neurological disability.”

There are approximately 2,000 children with autism in Broward County public schools. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, autism spectrum disorders (also known as pervasive developmental disorders) cause severe and pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. These disorders are usually first diagnosed in early childhood and range from a severe form, called autistic disorder, to a much milder form, Asperger syndrome.

NAAR was established in 1994 as the first national non-governmental organization in the country dedicated to funding and accelerating biomedical research for autism spectrum disorders. Walk FAR for NAAR has committed nearly $21.1 million to 211 autism research projects and fellowships worldwide. Walks in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County are scheduled for the fall.

For more information about the Walk Far for NAAR event, please contact the South Florida NAAR office at 954-421-9997. To register for the event online, please visit www.autismwalk.org/broward.