Amid overcast skies and chilly winds, 404 registrants took part in Panhandle Autism Society’s (PAS) first 3k run and second annual walk for autism April 21 in Riverstone Park.
PAS raised over $10,000 for the cause and, according to board president Debra Stewart, they met their goal. The money came in part from donations, sponsors, registration fees and merchandise sold at the event. The money is then generated back into local support programs and workshops designed to bring about autism awareness in the community. She also spoke about a new grant program, to be released May 1, that is designed to give away I-Pads and I-Pods for kids on the spectrum.
“We made more money this year [as compared to last] but less people showed up, but that was due to corporate sponsorship,” she said.
“We try to do what we can [to help],” said Rayel Stader, Post Falls, who used to work for PAS and whose mom was the former director. She also has a brother with autism. This was her second year for the walk.
Sally Jenks, Coeur d’Alene, walked the 0.75 mile track around the park for her second year in a row also. She works for Family Support Services, one of the sponsors of the event.
Claire Radford, Coeur d’Alene, decided to run that morning. She said she was prepared for the run but didn’t necessarily like running.
“I don’t like it [running] but I do it,” she said.
Scott Hansen, Coeur d’Alene, was one of 40 volunteers at the event. He said he felt quite experienced in the aspects of autism because his agency works with toddlers to teenagers who have disabilities.
Registrants had the chance to warm up with free coffee and donuts before the race began and to familiarize themselves with the 25 local vendors who took part in the event. There were bounce houses for the children and a raffle drawing for an I-Pad. Gluten-free snacks and bottled water were also available.
Registrants were given the opportunity to collect pledges beforehand and each got a t-shirt bearing the logo “Autism — See the Gift in Every Person.” All children who crossed the finish line for the walk were given a “gold medal” and there were 250 random prizes awarded as well, from McDonalds gift certificates to Autism Awareness bracelets to confections to wine. The top three runners won trophies, with first place getting a $100 gift certificate, second place a $75 gift certificate and third place a $50 gift certificate.
“Autism is an isolating condition,” Stewart said. She explained that there are five counties in Northern Idaho trying to broaden awareness with events like the walk/run, which she said she looks forward to again next year. Workshops such as “Autism 101” and “Can You Sense It” as well as support programs for families like the Parent/Caregiver program and the Family/Parent Day Out are also offered. Additionally, there is a sensory lending library with materials designed especially for those affected. Stewart added that Facebook is one of their “special gathering places” to spread the word.
According to a PAS pamphlet, autism is a complex, lifelong neurological disorder of development that results in social interaction problems, communication difficulties and restrictive or repetitive interests and behaviors. The cost of lifelong care is $3.2 million per individual.
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S. with 1.5 million Americans afflicted, according to tacanow.org. Idaho ranks 42 in the nation with 640 diagnosed cases. One in every 88 children is diagnosed with the disorder, and it is more prevalent among boys, with a 4:1 ratio.
There is an epidemic in the number of children being diagnosed on the spectrum, with one every 20 minutes, according to theautspot.com. Though the cause remains unclear, early diagnosis, along with a steady flow of professional teachers and therapists and positive reinforcement, can improve the prognosis enormously.
For more information, visit www.panhandleautismsociety.com or www.idahoautism.com.
