SEE DIFFERENT NOT LESS

   When you donate to this event, you are GUARANTEED to have 100% of your donation go towards the Organization for Autism Research.  To make it fun and challenging- Donate $25 and pledge to personally complete 15 miles of walking or running during the month of April (Autism Awareness Month).  You can go at your own pace and walk/run wherever you chose.  You have from April 1st-April 30th to complete the challenge.  All based on the honor system.

   You will recieve a FREE T-SHIRT as appreciation for your contribution and efforts in raising awareness towards this worthy cause.  Wear your shirts whenever you walk/run towards your 15 mile challenge and post all pics to the Facebook Event Page- Steps Toward Autism Awareness. 

  Let's work together to support those in our community who are facing challenges each day associated with this neurological disorder.   Let them know- I SEE DIFFERENT, NOT LESS!

    In support of Steps Toward Autism Awareness, the Oneonta Family YMCA will give all participants who donate $25 and pledge to walk/run 15 miles a FREE 5 DAY PASS to their facility.  Participants will have full use of the cardio room, gym, weight room, and pool during hours of operation.  You can even use take advantage of the treadmills to log in some of your miles!

Autism is a neurological disorder that typically is diagnosed by the age of three. The symptoms of autism involve three major areas of development, and impact a child’s abilities to:

• Engage in reciprocal social interactions with others
• Communicate with others in developmentally appropriate ways; and
• Participate in a range of activities and behaviors typical of the child’s age and stage of development

One of the hallmarks of autism is that the characteristics vary significantly among different children with autism. No two children with autism are the same. That’s because the impairments can range from relatively mild to more severe. Autism spectrum disorders are found in all cultures and across all socio-economic groups, with the ratio of boys to girls with ASD being 4 to 1.

History and Mission

        OAR’s mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism.  The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a national non-profit founded in 2001. It uses research to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find answers to their immediate questions. OAR provides timely and relevant resources, funds studies that have the potential to enhance quality of life, and is an active partner in the autism community.

Programs and Accomplishments

• Funded more than $3.6 million in new autism research: supported 104 pilot studies ($3,417,694) and made grants to 116 graduate students ($213,047)
• Awarded $698,500 in total scholarships to 229 individuals with autism pursuing education at four-year and two-year colleges, trade schools, and life skills programs
• Published eight Life Journey through Autism resource guides: A Parent’s Guide to Research, An Educator’s Guide to Autism, An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome, A Guide for Transition to Adulthood, A Parent’s Guide to Assessment, A Guide for Military Families, Navigating the Special Education System, and A Guide to Safety
• Created Operation Autism, www.operationautismonline.org, a website that provides 24/7 information for military families impacted by autism
• Introduced the “Autism in the Schoolhouse” initiative to promote peer acceptance (Kit for Kids) and teacher professional development (“Curriculum in a Box”)
• Sponsored numerous autism conferences across the U.S. through the Conference-on-the-Road program
• Started the “Autism Sibling Support” initiative to help typically-developing children and teens develop positive relationships with their brothers and sisters on the spectrum
• Created Think Safety, www.thinksafety.org, a forum-based website that provides information and resources to address safety concerns that present across one’s lifespan

The shirts for this event where paid for by Noah's World.  A company whose mission is to provide a welcoming and fun environment for ALL children to Exercise, Engage, Learn, and Play!

OPENING THIS SUMMER IN ONEONTA, N.Y.!

C