Autism Awareness Walk to be held in Otselic Valley
SOUTH OTSELIC – Natalie Beckwith knows a lot about raising autistic children. She has three, and with current statistics showing that one out of 150 children and one out of 94 boys will be born with the disorder, the Otselic Valley teacher is trying to spread awareness by holding the third annual Autism Awareness Walk this weekend.
Beckwith started the walk in 2005, and in the first year, she raised over $1,000 for the Autism Society of America, a group that works to serve individuals with autism, their families, friends and the educators who play a central part in the world of autism. Last year, participation at the walk increased and over $3,000 was raised, but Beckwith hopes this year she can top that number. The Third Annual Autism Awareness Walk will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Otselic Valley Firehouse.
The day will be filled with activities for the whole family. Raffles will be held, baked goods, hot dogs, drinks and snacks will be sold, and autism items (tee shirts and car magnets) will be available. All proceeds will go to the Autism Society of America.
“Autism is the fastest growing epidemic, and every 20 minutes a child will be born with autism. We need to find out what is causing this,” Beckwith said.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means the disorder can present itself in a variety of ways. “My three boys are all different. It’s individual to each one. I learn from them every day,” Beckwith said.
Having three children who have been affected by the disorder, Beckwith says she believes early intervention is key. “If you suspect something isn’t right, even if your doctor says it’s fine, get a second opinion. It could advance the child so much,” said Beckwith. In her experience, she said, the Chenango County Public Health Early Intervention personnel are very helpful. They can be contacted at 337-1729.
“You are your child’s best advocate. If you don’t fight for them, no one’s going to,” she said. Beckwith explained that information and support groups are available for parents of autistic children. For more information on specific support groups and organizations, visit one of the following informational web sites; www.familyrn.org, www.parenttoparentnys.org or www.ftnys.org.
Beckwith said the walk is a chance to bring people from the community together for a good cause, and to raise awareness of the disorder. Since she began the Autism Walk, she has met countless people who have personal experience with autism, and the numbers are increasing all the time.
“It (the walk) touches people on a personal level. People really open their hearts. It’s a nice fun day,” Beckwith said. Although Beckwith thinks awareness of autism is increasing, she says with the numbers on the rise, more still needs to be done.
For more information about the walk or to make a donation, contact Natalie Beckwith at (315)653-7581 or via e-mail at NBeckwith@OVCS.org.
Beckwith started the walk in 2005, and in the first year, she raised over $1,000 for the Autism Society of America, a group that works to serve individuals with autism, their families, friends and the educators who play a central part in the world of autism. Last year, participation at the walk increased and over $3,000 was raised, but Beckwith hopes this year she can top that number. The Third Annual Autism Awareness Walk will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Otselic Valley Firehouse.
The day will be filled with activities for the whole family. Raffles will be held, baked goods, hot dogs, drinks and snacks will be sold, and autism items (tee shirts and car magnets) will be available. All proceeds will go to the Autism Society of America.
“Autism is the fastest growing epidemic, and every 20 minutes a child will be born with autism. We need to find out what is causing this,” Beckwith said.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means the disorder can present itself in a variety of ways. “My three boys are all different. It’s individual to each one. I learn from them every day,” Beckwith said.
Having three children who have been affected by the disorder, Beckwith says she believes early intervention is key. “If you suspect something isn’t right, even if your doctor says it’s fine, get a second opinion. It could advance the child so much,” said Beckwith. In her experience, she said, the Chenango County Public Health Early Intervention personnel are very helpful. They can be contacted at 337-1729.
“You are your child’s best advocate. If you don’t fight for them, no one’s going to,” she said. Beckwith explained that information and support groups are available for parents of autistic children. For more information on specific support groups and organizations, visit one of the following informational web sites; www.familyrn.org, www.parenttoparentnys.org or www.ftnys.org.
Beckwith said the walk is a chance to bring people from the community together for a good cause, and to raise awareness of the disorder. Since she began the Autism Walk, she has met countless people who have personal experience with autism, and the numbers are increasing all the time.
“It (the walk) touches people on a personal level. People really open their hearts. It’s a nice fun day,” Beckwith said. Although Beckwith thinks awareness of autism is increasing, she says with the numbers on the rise, more still needs to be done.
For more information about the walk or to make a donation, contact Natalie Beckwith at (315)653-7581 or via e-mail at NBeckwith@OVCS.org.
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