Thousands Hit Streets Of Pasadena For Autism Walk

PASADENA, CA — Approximately 12,000-15,000 people participated in the 5-kilometer Los Angeles Autism Speaks Walk at the Rose Bowl Saturday, part of the world's largest fundraising event to support the diverse needs of the autism community, organizers said.

The walk was organized by Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Proceeds from the walk will provide free resources, grants and trained staff to assist people with autism and their families and support advocacy efforts and research, according to Jackie Acker, a public relations representative for Autism Speaks.

Walks benefiting Autism Speaks are held throughout the nation throughout the year, C.J. Volpe, the chief of media strategy for Autism Speaks, told City News Service.

The walk was held on the next to the last day of Autism Awareness Month, which comes in April because the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared in 2007 that April 2 would be World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.

Autism Speaks is conducting its international Light It Up Blue campaign during Autism Awareness Month where various iconic buildings are lit in blue and people are encouraged to wear blue to promote understanding and acceptance of people with autism and their families.

Autism Speaks is also encouraging people to test their understanding of people with autism by taking its online quiz at autismspeaks.org/liub/quiz.

In his proclamation declaring April 2 World Autism Awareness Awareness Day, President Donald Trump pledged that his administration would continue "to work with the Congress to implement the 21st Century Cures Act and help to clear the way for breakthroughs in medical science."

Trump also called "upon all Americans to learn more about the signs of autism to improve early diagnosis, understand the challenges faced by those with autism spectrum disorders and to do what they can to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families."

City News Service