Autism research foundation looks to expand

It began as a movement started by a 10-year-old girl to fight autism. Now, Michala Riggle is impacting the world of autism research yet again.

In 2007, Michala got national attention for selling homemade beaded bracelets for $3 each.

She wanted to raise $200,000 for an autism study her younger brother, Evan, was in, along with other autistic children at Kosair Children's Hospital.

Within six months, her Beading to Beat Autism campaign exceeded her goal.

"What we're here to announce today, we're going to kick off Campaign 7," said Riggle.

Five years and $500,000 later, Michala's mission has grown just like she has. Evan, now 12 years old, is doing well with his treatment. With their success, Michala and her family have set another goal, called Campaign 7.

"We're going to kick that off and we're going to try and get people to commit donating $7 a month for one year so we can raise the money to buy the land we want the center in and hire staff and kick off our national campaign to raise the money," said Riggle.

The center will be a world-class autism research and treatment facility built in Louisville. It will include an autism school and a bigger warehouse for the beading operation.

The facility, named the We Believe International Autism and Research Treatment Center, will be built on 40 acres in eastern Jefferson County.

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Autism research foundation looks to expand