Danielle
Deppert
10223
Caliburn Ct, Fishers, IN 46038
(317)
596-0098, FAX (317) 596-0098
www.autismindiana.4t.com
aai@insightbb.com
The mission of Autism Advocates of Indiana is to
increase and broaden public knowledge and awareness of the behaviors, social
issues and emotional needs of individuals on the autism spectrum so that all
individuals can participate in and contribute to our community without fear
or bias or loss of individuality.
The organization was started in 1999 after three Fishers mothers of children
with autism attended an autism rally in Washington, D.C. These mothers came
back with a sense that it was time for them to do more in the community to
create awareness to the issues of autism. We chose the Fishers area because
we live here.
Says member Danielle Deppert, "Our most significant challenge would be
finding sponsorship for different components of the walk."
Deppert continues, "The most interesting thing for us is that our 1st walk
was a huge success. We donated $30,000 to autism research, $7000 to local
programs and distributed 5 books on autism to every branch library in the
state of Indiana. At our 2nd walk we were able to disburse $25,000 to the
Autism Society of America Endowment Fund for autism research and $7,000 to
local programs serving the needs of individuals with autism, with more grant
opportunities opening in the fall.
Businesses and individuals are encouraged to give their time, sponsorship or
silent auction donation.
The 3rd Annual "Answers for Autism" Walk will be held Saturday, September
13. This is a 1 mile walk to promote the advancement of autism research, and
to support programs that serve the needs of individuals with autism. The
walk route is handicap accessible and stroller friendly.
Autism is a developmental disorder that strikes children some time in the
first three years of life and impacts the normal development of the brain in
areas of cognition, social interaction and communication skills. Each child
is affected differently and to varying degrees. According to recent studies,
as many as 1 in every 500 children born today will be on the autistic
spectrum. Autism is now the third most common developmental disorder -- more
common than Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis or cystic fibrosis. There is
no known, proven cure for Autism. Though various treatments may provide some
children with relative relief, current research is limited due to lack of
available funds.
