Over 30,000 Walkers are Expected to Join Together at the Long Island Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Jones Beach State Park Raising Over $1,400,000

Raising Funds to Support Research, Awareness, Advocacy and Family Services into the Nation's Fastest Growing Developmental Disorder

News provided by

Autism Speaks

Sep 28, 2010, 10:38 ET

HUNTINGTON STATION, N.Y., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT:	Long Island Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a unique fundraising event which creates a safe and fun day for families who are affected with autism. The day includes a 3 mile walk and Community Resource Fair with educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities; a true "one-stop-shop" for families affected by autism. This year, Toys'R'Us and Babies'R'Us will have a tented space serving as home base for Geoffrey the Giraffe. Attendees will also be able to stop by and sign their children up for Geoffrey's Birthday Club and pick up the "Ten Toys That Speak to Autism" handout, a list of toys that help build the skills of children with autism, created in collaboration with Autism Speaks.

WHO:	Thousands of people affected by autism and their families, friends, and supporters.

WHEN:	SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010
	Press Check In: 9 a.m.
	9:30 a.m. Stage Program

WHERE:	JONES BEACH STATE PARK (FIELD 5), WANTAGH, NY

Thousands of walkers – including individuals with autism, their families and friends -- will join together to raise much-needed funds for critical scientific research and to increase awareness about autism that now affects 1 in every 110 individuals. All proceeds from the event benefit Autism Speaks, the nation's leading autism advocacy organization. The 2010 Long Island Walk is expected to raise over $1,400,000.

Toys'R'Us and Babies'R'Us proudly serve as the national sponsor of the Walk Now for Autism Speaks program. Other sponsors include Jewelers for Children, Men on the Move Moving & Self Storage Companies, National Mah Jongg League, The Long Island RadioGroup, Verona Productions, North Shore Autism Circle, Scaptone Productions, Landscape Structures, Marion K. Solomon, AMDi, GEICO and Cindy & David Wittels.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Another child is diagnosed every 20 minutes.

SOURCE Autism Speaks