Autism Event Planned – Walkers, Volunteers Needed

April 18, 2010 Steve Yablonski

OSWEGO, NY – An event designed to draw attention to the plight of autism victims in Oswego County is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Leighton Elementary School.

Oswego Mayor Randy Bateman presents a proclamation recognizing Autism Week in Oswego to Tammy Thompson OCATF co-chair. They are joined by Trevor and Taylor Elowsky.
Oswego Mayor Randy Bateman presents a proclamation recognizing Autism Week in Oswego to Tammy Thompson OCATF co-chair. They are joined by Trevor and Taylor Elowsky.

The Oswego County Autism Task Force seeks to provide information that enhances the lives of those touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders in our community, according to OCTAF chair Julie Chetney.

April is Autism Awareness month, she added.

The fourth annual “Family Fun” Walk For Autism will take place from noon – 2 p.m.

Families, friends, teachers, service providers, or anyone who has been affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder can participate in Saturday’s free walk.

For a registration form or for more information about the event, call 349-3510.

While members of the Oswego County Autism Task Force are busy preparing for the event that draws more than 400 children and families from around Oswego County, volunteers are still needed to help make the event run smoothly.

“Our previous walk events utilized 50 – 75 volunteers to ensure a safe, fun, and positive experience for all in attendance,” Chetney said. “We are still looking for volunteers of all ages to assist our Task Force make this family event possible for so many who are touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

Volunteers are needed in children’s play areas, help with registration and sign-in, serving refreshments, T-shirt pickup, and track supervision.

Anyone interested in helping at the event can call 315-349-3510 or email [email protected]

“This is a fund-raiser,” explained Tammy Thompson, OCATF vice chair. “But, it is also intended to raise autism awareness in Oswego County.”

The task force is a network, which allows families to talk with each other and assist each other, get together and have a good time, Chetney said.

Autism is a developmental disorder that causes children to have an atypical development.

Those suffering from autism have impaired social functions, problems with communication, some are non-verbal their whole life. Many autistic children do not play with others, they instead play by themselves, have their own special interests.

Finding a means to prevent autism is still a long ways off; doctors these days are focusing on early detection.

For more information about OCATF, go to oswegocountyautism.org missing or outdated ad config

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