By Noelia Rane
As April is rapidly approaching, so is Autism Awareness Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause cognitive, social, and behavioral challenges for people who have been diagnosed. The spectrum nature of ASD means that some struggle more than others, requiring more assistance in their daily lives. Currently, there is no cure for ASD, but researchers are working hard to find ways to help those struggling with the disability. It is incredibly important that funding is provided to these scientists because the diagnostic rate of ASD has increased drastically over the past 30 years. According to Scientific American and the CDC, 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism.
Michael Cleary, an 18-year-old student at Garnet Valley High School was diagnosed with ASD at just 20 months old. He will be running a 5K on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in order to raise autism awareness and donations for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), a non-profit organization that funds autism research and develops informational resources about autism.
Michael and his family ask that as many people as possible come and either run in the race, donate to the cause, or at least come to expand their knowledge about Autism. Michael’s therapists and family members will be at the event to host discussions about autism and educate people on the disorder.
The event will be held from 9 am to 12 pm on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the Garnet Valley High School track. Everyone is encouraged to come and participate to help raise money and awareness about autism. If you are unable to attend the event, you can donate to OAR through Team Michael, and also encourage your friends and family to come out on April 3rd.
Follow Team Michael on Facebook @jointeammichael and learn more about OAR at www.researchautism.org
Click HERE to join Team Michael or to donate!
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