RCC Hosts Walk Now for Autism Speaks

The movement to raise autism awareness grew in Rockland County with the Autism Speaks Light it Up Blue campaign in April.

That event was new for the area, but Autism Speaks is not new to the area.

The organization holds Walk Now for Autism Speaks events in 80 cities nationwide, including the Greater Hudson Valley walk, which is Saturday at the Rockland County Community College Field House in Suffern.

“Thanks to tremendous community support and the work of our wonderful volunteers, our Walk Now for Autism Speaks event has grown each year, and we expect to expand the ranks of both walkers and donors in 2011,” said Patricia Phelan, Co-Chair of the 2011 walk.  “In addition to raising funds and awareness, the Walk is a chance for families to come together and enjoy a day of laughter, hope and community. Working together, we are making great strides toward improving the lives of people with autism and their families.”

Phelan is a special education attorney with an office in Blue Hill Plaza. She also has a daughter with autism.

"The most special thing is it is totally free to go," Phelan said. "There is no charge to do any of the activities. We hope people make donations, but there is no pressure to do so."

She said it is also important to have events like this one where families can bring their autistic children no matter where they fall on the spectrum. That is important because large crowds can be challenging for some people with autism due to the sensory overload.

"You see a huge range there," Phelan said. "It is totally comfortable. It can be hard to go to something like this."

The top local fundraising team as of Wednesday was Prudential Joyce Realty of Pearl River, captained by Mary Screene. Keller Williams Hudson Valley Realty, which recently opened an office in Pearl River, will also take part.

According to a release from Autism Speaks, last year's walk drew over 700 participants and raised $107,000. Autism Speaks provides funds for autism research, advocacy and awareness.

In addition to the walk, the event will include "Educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities" in a day designed for families touched by autism.

"We will have all sorts of people with booths to spread awareness and offer information on autism and to help," Phelan said. "Everyone with a resource booth will have a child-friendly activity. We hope parents coming with their children will be able to keep them busy while they gather resources."

There will be face painting, temporary tattooes and a bouncy castle. The live music will include the Bossy Frog Band and Talina Toscano.

"She's got a beautiful voice and she is inspiring because she has autism herself," Phelan said.

Autism is a neurobiological disorder that can diminish a person's ability to communicate and socialize, though the term encompasses a wide spectrum of abilities from high-functioning to those unable to relate to the outside world. According to Autism Speaks, one in every 110 children is diagnosed with some level of disorder on the autism spectrum, including one in every 70 boys.

Registration for Saturday's walk begins at 9 a.m., with the opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and the walk starting at 11 a.m.

More information can be found, go to the walk's website here.

"People make t-shirts and posters," Phelan said. "People really get into it. It’s a nice thing to be a part of. Very reassuring. I’m a parent of a child on the spectrum and I never get tired realizing what a big community I’m a part of."