Published: November 05, 2009 09:20 am      

Local autism society chapter plans awareness-raising events

Ashland — Two upcoming events are meant to raise awareness about autism as well as give families with autistic members a chance to mingle and have a good time.

The events are sponsored by the Autism Society of America — Huntington Area chapter, which serves Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia.

‰Pump Up The Fun is scheduled 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 14 in Barboursville. The event will include outdoor activities and refreshments and is open to members of the organization as well as those interested in learning more about the autism society.

R.S.V.P. is required to Rebecca Wallen at (304) 486-5710 or rewallen@yahoo.com.

‰A Christmas party is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 at the VFW Post 9738 in Guyandotte, 227 Main St.

Meat and beverages will be provided by the chapter; those attending are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert. If you would like Santa to give your child a gift, you are asked to bring a wrapped gift costing no more than $10.

R.S.V.P. is required to Rebecca Wallen at (304) 486-5710 or rewallen@yahoo.com.

This also is meant to raise awareness about autism and to give area residents the opportunity to join the chapter, Treasurer Cheryl Cook of Catlettsburg, said.

“We try to do all we can for the families without any extra expense to them,” Cook said. “They’re going through enough and they have enough expense.”

The group’s big fundraiser occurs in April, during Autism Awareness Month, when there is a walk, run and bike tour with a variety of individual and corporate sponsors.

Members of the group range in age from 3 to 42, Cook, whose 12-year-old son is on the autism spectrum, said.

“We have a wide range of parents with questions,” she said. “There is always someone we can discuss it with who has been through the exact same thing.”

Cook said nine years ago, one in 1,000 children were diagnosed with autism; now the statistic is 1 in 100; some sources even say 1 in 91.

The Autism Society was begun in 1965 by Dr. Ruth Sullivan of Huntington, Dr. Bernard Rimland and other parents of children with autism. It is now headquartered in Bethesda, Md.

LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.