Join Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) for the 8th Annual "ROAR for Autism" on Sunday, April 29, 2012. All of the ROAR activities, except Snore for ROAR, will begin at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville.
April is Autism Awareness month. The Autism Speaks organization kicked off the month with "Light It Up Blue Day." Kennedy Krieger wants April to go out with a "ROAR" in the fight against autism.
Autism is a mysterious disorder that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. It is a developmental disability that can range from mild to severe with symptoms impairing communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. It is estimated that 1 out of 88 people born have some form of autism.
Anyone can be touched by autism. Many celebrities with autistic children have come forward to use their fame as a vehicle to spread awareness through books, movies, and events. View the slideshow, left, for many well-known individuals who are parents to autistic children. See the video, left, of actress Holly Robinson-Peete and husband-athlete Rodney Peete explain how they became book authors after they discovered their son had autism.
KKI doctors, researchers and therapists who work diligently trying to figure out the causes and best treatment plans for each unique patient and his or her family have made outstanding in the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of autism spectrum disorders. KKI works with outside organizations such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Treatment Network to continue to study autism while providing support to families overwhelmed by the social, emotional and financial toll this life-long disorder can involve.
To educate, increase awareness, fundraise, and have a great time associating and meeting with autistic children, adults, families and friends, ROAR has a full day of fun planned for all participants. Several bike rides, a walk and a family fun festival including good food, face painting, games and other activities hopes to keep autism in the minds and hearts of supporters long after April.
Check-in and registration start at 6:00 a.m. For more information about all of the activities scheduled for ROAR, click here.
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