Supporting Autism Research: One Volunteer's Story

Every single day, 67 new diagnoses of autism are made in the United States, throwing families like Theresa Mahoney’s into a tailspin.

After Mahoney’s son was diagnosed with autism three years ago at age 4, Mahoney wanted to become involved with the cause. She is currently the volunteer walk chair for Southern New England Walk Now for Autism Speaks, which will be holding its annual fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 18 at Colt State Park in Bristol, RI. 

Walk Now for Autism Speaks has provided immense support for Mahoney and her family.

“When you first get an autism diagnosis, it can be a difficult time because you don't know where to turn or who to go, so it was nice to be at that walk,” she said, referring to her first experience at Boston’s fundraiser. ”It made me feel for the fist time that we weren't alone in going through this.”

Mahoney became involved with the Southern New England Walk as soon as she heard of it. Last year, almost 1,500 individuals participated in the walk, which donates its proceeds to grant money for autism research.

The larger organization of Autism Speaks also organizes events for children on the autism spectrum. Mahoney was involved with a sensory movie screening at Showcase Cinemas where the lights were adjusted and children were allowed to get up and dance along to “Cars 2” and “Kung Fu Panda 2.”

Mahoney encourages others to become involved with Autism Speaks and the walk. “Autism is international,” she said. “Every 20 minutes a new family hears ‘Your child has autism.”