National Autism Awareness Month begins Tuesday, kicking off one Delaware non-profit’s efforts to raise money to help those living with the disorder.
Autism Delaware uses this month and Tuesday's World Autism Day as a springboard for their annual fundraiser, Walk for Autism.
Policy and Walk Director Kim Siegel says Autism Delaware hopes to raise more than $200,000 this year, about $20,000 more than in 2012.
She says the event is also a good outlet for families who may not always feel comfortable in public.
“We try to provide a real party atmosphere for families. Kids with autism, it’s not always easy to take them to public events. You know people stare, people ask questions, people give parents bad looks," said Siegel. "This is something where the whole family can come and just be themselves.”
Siegel says Autism Delaware is expecting more than 2,600 people to attend this year, which for some people, is a tradition.
“We get a good mix of old and new teams. The people who come back year after year, you know some people have made it a big family event. Like this is when their whole family gets together and does stuff and it’s all centered around their loved one with autism,” said Siegel.
There’s no registration fee for the walk, which will take place in Lewes and Wilmington.
Cape Henlopen State Park will host the event April 20th, with another walk in Bellevue State Park April 27th.
The Governor’s mansion at Woodburn and Legislative Hall in Dover, along with public buildings in Georgetown will be among those illuminated blue Tuesday to show support for World Autism Day.
