One in 59 children are diagnosed with autism. As those numbers continue to grow, Radar Foundations Inc. decided to do something to raise awareness.
Director Hope Hasty said the foundation aims to meet those with special needs at their level, and help them self-advocate for education and employment.
“They’re not alone in their journey, we’re here to help and accept them and help them along,” Hasty said.
One of the mothers helped by them, Lucia Juarez, said when her son was first diagnosed with autism, she did not know where to turn for help.
She said this walk helped her connect with other parents.
“This is something we’ve needed in our community,” Juarez said. “Because I don’t think our city knows how great a need there is or how many individuals there are in just our community alone with autism.”
Juarez said at the walk parents had the opportunity to share their personal stories of having a child with autism.
“It feels good to have somebody out there who knows exactly what you’re feeling knows exactly what you’re going through and to have them tell you, I get it,” Juarez said.