April is Autism Awareness Month, Walk set for April 12

LANCASTER – April is Autism Awareness Month, which promotes support and understanding of the lifelong diagnosis affecting an average of one in 68 children.

Locally, organizers are gearing up for the 6^th annual Antelope Valley Autism Awareness Walk and Resource Fair, a day of family fun and entertainment that raises funds for local families affected by autism spectrum disorders.

The event takes place Saturday, April 12 at the Jethawks Stadium, located at 45116 Valley Central Way in Lancaster. The Walk kicks off at 10 a.m. and will be followed by an Autism Resource Fair at 11 a.m.

There will be music, community resource organizations, autism-friendly activities for kids, raffle prizes, and more. About 2,000 people attended last year’s event, and organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.

To register for the Walk or to donate online, click here. All proceeds from the event will be used towards providing social, recreation and support services for autism in the Antelope Valley. For more information, visit www.AVAutismWalk.com or view a flyer for the event here.

Light It Up Blue on April 2!

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, businesses and iconic landmarks around the world will “go blue” for a day. Local advocates are encouraging area business owners, organizations and homeowners to mark the day by changing their white light bulbs to blue, in order to shine the light on autism. The city of Lancaster has committed to lighting blue the MOAH on Lancaster Blvd. for the entire month of April. View a public service announcement about World Autism Awareness Day below.