Come move for Autism on Oct. 8

Montgomery —One in every 166 children born today will have an autism spectrum disorder. Incredible, especially when you realize that just 10 years ago that statistic was one in 10,000. The Mental Health Association in Orange County is teaming up with Parents Run AMOC (Autism Move-A-Thon of Orange County) and holding its third annual move-a-thon on Sunday, Oct. 8, at Thomas Bull Memorial Park. It is an event that educates, entertains and embraces those in the community who are living with autism in their lives. Chances are you know someone with autism or one of the disorders associated with it, including Asperger’s Syndrome. The incidence of autism has risen dramatically over the last decade, with an estimated 1.5 million children and adults affected. What has changed, though, is aware on ness, and that is the goal of Parents Run AMOC. Parents receiving the diagnosis have places to turn for advice and help in handling the diagnosis and receiving the proper therapies. Many organizations will be on hand to give out valuable information regarding the disorder and where parents can go for help. What exactly is a move-a-thon? It is like a walk-a-thon although participants are not limited to walking. They may walk, run, dance, hop or skip. The entry fee is $20 and participants are encouraged to get sponsors who may donate any dollar amount to their symbolic one-mile hike. Proceeds from the event will benefit autism programs right here in Orange County and will aid in developing a local training series, which is already underway. If you pre-register on or before Sept. 29, you will receive a free T-shirt for yourself plus one for each person in your family on the autism spectrum. Registration for the Autism Move-A-Thon begins at 10 a.m. A free continental breakfast will be provided, including a limited number of gluten/casein free meals for those who request it. There will be activities throughout the day for kids, including a bouncy castle, face painting, characters and a DJ. The move-a-thon begins at 11 a.m., and the DJ ‘Occasions’ takes the stage right after and will continue until 3 p.m. There also is a raffle in the afternoon of donated items from businesses around the county. Anyone needing more information about the move-a-thon or on autism may contact the Mental Health Association in Orange County at 845-294-7411 ext. 253 and ext. 307. Registration forms are available online at www.mhaorangeny.com.