More than 20,000 Participants Expected for Autism Speaks’ Annual St. Louis Walk Now for Autism on Oct. 13, 2012 in Forest Park

ST. LOUIS – The 10th annual Walk Now for Autism at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 is targeting a fundraising goal of more than $1 million. It is sponsored by the St. Louis chapter of Autism Speaks, which has grown to become one of the most active chapters in the nation. More than 20,000 participants are expected for the walk which kicks off at 10 a.m. at Central Field in Forest Park. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism is now diagnosed in one out of 88 children. It is diagnosed more often than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

Since the St. Louis walk was initiated in 2003, it has raised more than $7 million for autism research and awareness. 

This year’s walk will kick off with a 5K puzzle run with registration beginning at 7 a.m. and run beginning at 8 a.m. at Forest Park. The walk event will also feature booths, games, food and refreshments. For more information on the walk, visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/stlouis or call (314) 989-1003.

The walk has drawn support from corporate and private citizens. Leading corporate sponsors include the law firm SL Chapman, LLC, Hager Companies, United Methodist Church (UMC) of Chesterfield, St. Louis Sportservice and Centene Corp.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.