Finding information on a subject like autism has always proved difficult. When Bob and Suzanne Wright’s five-year-old grandson was diagnosed, they decided to do something about it. In 2005 they founded Autism Speaks, and it has quickly become the nation’s largest advocacy organization for autism funding, education and research.

A large part of that support comes from events such as Walk Now for Autism, which will take place October 11 at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock. It’s one of four walks that take place across Texas, and among 100 across the U.S.

“Money raised by our walk program helps Autism Speaks fund important research that is helping us learn more about what causes autism and ways we can provide better treatment for individuals with autism,” says Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks.

Last year, the walks raised more than $29 million nationwide, and $166,095 of that total came from the Greater Austin Walk Now for Autism Speaks. The goal this year for Greater Austin
is $185,000.

“We’re learning more every day about genetic and environmental factors that may be involved with autism, and important advances are being made in developing more effective treatment options,” Roithmayr says.

KTBC Fox 7 anchorwoman Loriana Hernandez has been an active participant with Autism Speaks for two years, and she’s also taking part in the Greater Austin Walk. When she discovered her five-year-old niece was autistic, she decided to be proactive. The lack of public knowledge was a huge factor in her decision.
“I take my niece out the playground, and parents look at me like, ‘What’s wrong with your kid?’” she says. “It brings me to tears.”

Hernandez wants to educate the community about autism, as well as help with families’ needs. She produces stories about different epidemic levels, and available schools.

“There are always controversies about what has led to autism, different treatments and approaches,” she says. “Should I vaccinate my child, should I not? We want to raise awareness for families in need for access to treatment, so they’re not shut out if their kid has a pre-existing condition.”

Deborah and Eric Frankhouser’s five-year-old son, Cash, was diagnosed soon after the doctor said he had a severe speech delay. The Frankhousers are the venue logistics and entertainment chairs for the Greater Austin Walk.

“The camaraderie and feeling like you’re not alone in the world are the biggest messages we got the first year we participated,” Deborah says. “We were stunned at the sheer number of people that were there; that we certainly weren’t living in a vacuum with our son.”

She believes if the public saw attendance at the walks, the numbers would speak for themselves.
“Information is really scattered about autism, and there’s no one clearinghouse for all the information,” Deborah says. “Autism Speaks has done a really good job of pooling all that information into one location.”

No matter who you talk to, everyone involved with Autism Speaks has a common goal: to raise money and awareness for treatment and the discovery of a cure.

“I want more people to be aware of what autism is; there’s still a lot of confusion,” says Hernandez. “They’re beautiful, very intelligent children with bright futures, if we would just give them a chance.”


WATER 2 THRIVE 5K
SEPTEMBER 19TH AT 9 A.M.

On Saturday, September 19, this first-year event will also be the first-ever held at Austin’s Hill Country Galleria shopping center. The 5K race starts at 9 a.m. but on-site registration will begin at 7:30, a.m. Come help provide clean, safe water to those in need and have a great time doing it. For more information, to register or to donate to the cause, visit watertothrive.org.