We had beautiful, although a bit windy, weather for our Walk for Autism and Autism Awareness today, sponsored by the Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center. I was happy to see quite a large group of people turn out for the event, including my intrepid group of student walkers! Many thanks to all who walked (especially since you should probably be home studying for my midterms this week!)
Cal Poly Was Well-Represented at the Walk
Karla joined us, too, and was pleased to see so many people who cared about autism. One of my colleagues at Cal Poly told me that as of 1991, there was only one child in San Luis Obispo County receiving services for autism (it wasn’t Karla–we handled things on our own), but that now there were well over 200. That may not be the 600-700% some communities are experiencing, but it’s big. Hopefully, we can figure out where this is coming from. Soon.
The Autism Awareness Fair at the Mission
6 Comments
steelersfan086 · April 26, 2009 at 11:38 am
It’s great to see that so many people came to the Autism walk. I am part of the Arthritis Foundation and it is so great to have walks like these just so people are aware of the commonality of the disorders. When people go to the walks, they can actually witness people who are affected by these disorders and it is an eye-opening experience. Donations are great, but education is good too. The more people that know about Autism, the more people can educate themselves, research cures, and help others that are affected by it. These walks are excellent.
helenasetiawan · April 26, 2009 at 12:25 pm
It was definitely a fun and windy experience. A lot of workers at the sign-in table were very helpful and nice in helping my boyfriend and I sign in. We both got shirts to wear while walking up and down the street. There were also the Barbershop quartet, who I just loved! I stayed there listening to them sing about 3-4 songs. I really like the kids station as well, where young children can sit in tiny chairs and just enjoy themselves while their parents/sibling walked around downtown. Thanks for telling our class about this Walk! I didn’t hear about it in the newspaper or the radio.
SamanthaKapheim · April 28, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I have heard some reports that in the past autism was grossly under diagnosed but that doesn’t seem to account for the 600-700% increase that some communities are experimenting. I whole heartedly agree that we need to find out soon where this sharp increase is coming from. I spent the weekend with some family friends whose 14 year old son is severely autistic and just having him say “Hi” to me without prompting from his parents was considered an accomplishment.
genevieve99 · April 29, 2009 at 8:20 pm
The walk ended up being a great turn out, more than what was anticipated I assume. I think next year the ‘walking’ part of it should be made a little more formal to work with the large amount of people that participate. I am incredibly happy to have been a part of that. I met some wonderful people and it was great getting involved and seeing how many support Autism Awareness.
Marc Ross · April 30, 2009 at 9:22 am
Young adults, as well as older adults in the community have been overlooked. What has been Cal-Poly’s approach to adults with Autism spectrum disorders e.g., Asperger’s Syndrome? In addition to the students who use university resources for disabilities, what resources are available to staff, and even professors who have high-functioning disorders e.g., some people with Aspergers become professors in scientific fields?
I applaud growing awareness of Autism in children and families; who were well represented at the Autism Walk and Faire. Increasingly, studies are showing that Autism disorders are inherited in families; hence the need for resources that are appropriate and necessary for adults.
I understand that Cal Poly is proposing an Autism resource center. I hope that the resource center will serve the community as well.
Laura Freberg · April 30, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I hadn’t heard about an Autism Center at Cal Poly. Mike Ruef in Education would be a good person to ask about that. I have had students with ASD in my classrooms, and have worked closely with DRC to make sure that I address their needs–very educational. Of course, it helps to have a 25 year old daughter with ASD.
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