Atlanta's 2008 Walk For Autism Saturday, April 12, 2008

It seems that their are charity walks for everything nowadays. This is not to diminish the impact of thousands of people walking en masse through normally busy city streets. I remember as a child participating in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Walk A Thon. The excitement of getting pledges from neighbors and your parents' friends really helped to lend to my enthusiasm for the event. Today cities and towns across the US, and worldwide, experience these charity events with regularity. Atlanta on Saturday, April 12, 2008 will be the site of the Walk For Autism sponsored by Autism Speaks and The Marcus Institute.

What Is Autism? And Why Should You Care?

Autism, also referred to as autism spectrum disorder, impairs the ability of those afflicted from communicating and relating to others. When diagnosed early, there are effective management techniques that can help those who suffer from autism spectrum disorders to lead fully participatory adult lives. The degree to which an individual might display symptoms can vary but has a great tool that illuminates some of the core symptoms that those with autism will exhibit to some degree. Now for the easy question...why should you care? The simple answer is because you are a thinking, feeling person and have the ability to exhibit sympathy for other people who are suffering. If this is not a practical enough reason here are some that may encourage you to care because they will strike closer to home.

• 1 in 150 children in the US will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (four times as many boys are afflicted) - Source Citation
  
• Autism appears to run in families so there appears to be a genetic component - Source Citation
  
• Environmental factors/toxins such as heavy metals - Source Citation Find out what is in you water by requesting a copy of your water quality report that water utilities are required to send to customers annually. If you have not received your copy request it from your local water supplier or the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800/426-4791) or you can click HERE to see if your city or county report is online.
• Childhood vaccines, especially the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine is believed but not proven to be a factor in autism spectrum disorder - Source Citation I have provided a recent CBS News Report below:

This wonderful Walk for Autism event will raise awareness and funds for combating this awful disorder. While early registration is encouraged, you can actually register on the day of the event at the site of the walk. Perhaps you would like to be one of the many volunteers who make this walk possible? Click HERE for volunteer info. For walk day information and directions click HERE!

About the Author

If you are in the market to purchase a home or even refinance an existing loan and you want a loan officer that will walk with you every step of the way, then contact Danny or Rich of the Thornton Team at Home America Mortgage today. We can have you pre-approved in as little as 4 hours. You can visit our website or send an email to thorntonteam@homeamericamortgage.com or call us @ 770-998-1964.