Bluegrass Autism Walk to Be Held

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 22, 2010) –The Autism Society of the Bluegrass is sponsoring the Bluegrass Autism Walk on Saturday, July 10, 8:30 a.m. to noon, at Keeneland Race Course, 4201 Versailles Road. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 2K walk kicking off at 10 a.m. Festivities include activities for children and families, a vendor/agency fair, a silent auction, food and more.

"We will once again take up the challenge of spreading awareness of and education about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurological disorder affecting many families in our area," said Patti Parsons, event planner for the Bluegrass Autism Walk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed in 1 in 110 individuals. "The disorder can be debilitating for the entire family. However, it is treatable," said Parsons. " Many interventions can be extremely effective in moving individuals with autism toward a much-improved quality of life. We feel that it is imperative that families in the Bluegrass area get the information they desperately need."

"As a parent and one of the many UK staff members that have a loved one that is on the Autism Spectrum Disorder continuum, I am excited about the walk," said Melanie Tyner-Wilson, outreach specialist, Early Childhood and Special Needs Outreach/Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC). "The Autism Society of the Bluegrass has been an important part of my life's journey with autism."

Pre-registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children. On-site registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children. T-shirts will be provided (supplies may be limited for late/on-site registration – register by July 1 to be guaranteed a T-shirt). Proceeds will be used for education, advocacy and support for Central Kentuckians on the Autism Spectrum and their families, caregivers and the professionals who work with them.

For more information and to register, go to http://bluegrassautismwalk.org.

or contact Patti Parsons at pagepro100@aol.com or (859) 278-6749.