Why We Run
So
many families are affected by autism. I know, I am one of them. My name
is Mike, and my wife Jeannie and I are proud parents of four children,
two of whom are autistic. 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism,
making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS
combined. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to
others. It is four times more likely to strike boys than girls and
typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Symptoms can range from
very mild to quite severe. The Polar Bear Run/Walk will generate funds
for autism awareness, advocacy and family services. Proceeds benefit
Autism Speaks, Special Service Schools, Autism Support Groups, as well
as Families of Special Needs Children. If you can think of one person who has autism, they are the reason you should participate. Come and help make their future a better one!
What is Autism?
Autism
is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social
interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication . The diagnostic
criteria require that symptoms become apparent before a child is three
years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by
altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how
this occurs is not well understood. Parents usually notice signs in the
first two years of their child's life. The signs usually develop
gradually, but some autistic children first develop more normally and
then regress. Early behavioral, cognitive, or speech interventions can
help autistic children gain self-care, social, and communication skills.
Although there is no known cure, there have been reported cases of
children who recovered. Not many children with autism live independently
after reaching adulthood, though some become successful. -From
Wikipedia
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