LITTLE ROCK (Oct. 6, 2012) - Every 11 minutes, another family receives the devastating news that their child has an autism spectrum disorder.

The third annual Arkansas Walk Now for Autism Speaksseeks to raise more than $105,000 for autism research and advocacy work. The event is today, October 6, at the Clinton Presidental Center.

"We continue to be pleasantly surprised and grateful to fellow Arkansans for the outstanding community support this event receives," said Dawn Itzkowitz, Autism Speaks co-chairwoman. "Not only is the walk a fundraiser to benefit the national Autism Speaks organization, the walk funds local grants to autism providers and introduces Arkansas families to each other and to resources in their area. We hope to see walkers from across the state at this event."

Searcy native Joe Aaron, perhaps best known as the co-creator of the Disney animated series Doug, joins the walk as a special guest. Aaron is an autism awareness advocate and is raising funds to film Guttersnipes, a feature film addressing autism, homelessness and race relations, in Arkansas. THV's own Ed Buckner and Craig O'Neill will serve as event emcees.

On-site, day-of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m.

The 2011 walk raised more than $99,000 for Autism Speaks and had more than 1,700 participants. This year's goal is to raise $105,000 from 1,800 participants and 140 teams.

The money raised funds autism research and advocacy work. Learn more at WalkNowforAutismSpeaks.org.

Autism Speak's goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. They are dedicated to funding globalbiomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

(Source: Walk Now for Autism Speaks)

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Clinton Center hosts 2012 Walk Now for Autism Speaks