By Njura Kinyua
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
An estimated 400 people gathered at Towson University on Sunday to walk in support of individuals with autism.
Participants joined one another at the track in Johnny Unitas Stadium for the 18th annual Autism Speaks Baltimore Walk, which raised over $179,000 that will be used for autism research as well as providing services to those with children who are on the spectrum.
Families who participated said they look forward to the event every year.
Fauzia Akmal, who works on the Team Retention committee for Autism Speaks, walked for her 9-year-old son, Azeem. She said the event has allowed her to make lots of friends and relate to others raising a child on the autism spectrum.
“It’s a great feeling to see all these people supporting autism and Autism Speaks,” Akmal said.
Towson’s men’s basketball coach Pat Skerry said he has been attending the walks since 2002. His 12-year-old son is on the spectrum and he has always felt the need to participate in autism awareness.
“Obviously we’re invested because we have a child on the spectrum, but I’d hope we would be invested no matter what,” said Skerry, who holds an annual Autism Awareness basketball game every February at Towson to continue spreading awareness and bringing support to Autism Speaks.
Prior to the start of the walk, families and friends met on the track of Johnny Unitas Stadium to visit a variety of booths by companies sponsoring the event.
They also participated in games and activities for kids around the track. Kids and adults wore costumes, adding flair to the special walk on Halloween. Many others dressed up in teams promoting who they personally walk for through personalized shirts and accessories.
The day began off rainy, but by the official start of the walk, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the sun was fully shining as crowds made their way around the track. Walkers waved bright blue pom poms all around and held signs to cheer on their autistic loved ones.
The walk was six laps or 1.54 miles, which signifies the 1 in 54 children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Organizers reported that 1,100 people registered to attend the event, which included an in-person and virtual walk option.
A person with autism has trouble communicating or understanding what others think or feel. Some can be completely nonverbal or non-expressive but others may have advanced conversation skills. ASD is a broad spectrum that affects every child differently.
Autism Speaks is an organization that works to raise money for autistic research and advocacy with the goal of educating people about the disorder and assist individuals with autism throughout their life. The group funds many services and opportunities as well as important research studies that best aid in the development of the autism awareness and assistance.
Having a child on the autism spectrum brings challenges to families. Physician evaluations and visits, equipment, hospital rates, emergency services, and medicines can leave the pockets of many families dry.
A common treatment, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, which aims to improve social, communication, and learning skills, can range from $15,000 to $50,000 a year.
Money is not the only burden families have to face.
Janet Martin of Hanover, Pennsylvania, began attending the Autism Speaks event after her youngest son was diagnosed in 2017. She said the social pressures people with autism face worries her.
“The most challenging part is how people view him because we think he is perfect but I hate when he’s being stared at or poked fun of,” Martin said. “That’s why I really enjoy the walk because he can run around and be his normal self and there’s zero judgement here.”
Priscilla Mathias, a mom of a 20-year-old son, Henry, with autism, said her family has attended the event for 14 years and has raised about $150,000 during that period. She loves coming and recognizes the joy it brings her to see similar faces each year.
“It’s nice to see kids we’ve seen over the years growing up,” Mathias said.
Like most parents, Mathias understands the difficulties of having a child with autism but has grown to see the wonders in it.
“I think that’s one of the greatest things…seeing the resilience of him growing up and having to learn to do things that maybe come naturally to neurotypical people,” she said. “He’s also really funny and has a great sense of humor.”