COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – April 2 is recognized as World Autism Awareness Day, and the continued rise in autism diagnoses has scientists searching for answers.
According to World Population Review, 1 in 127 people in the world are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control said 1 in 31 children, or 3.2%, are on the autism spectrum. ASD is prevalent among all races, and it is three times more common among boys than girls.
Columbus has grown into a national center for autism research and education. White Castle, based in Columbus, was among the earliest national sponsors for Autism Speaks. White Castle’s Chief Marketing Officer Jamie Richardson is a national board member for AS. Nationwide Children’s Hospital houses a nationally recognized center for ASD, and the hospital conducts extensive research on autism. Each year, Columbus is among the top fundraising cities for AS in the nation.
Autism Speaks leaders in Ohio met Thursday to discuss two major events coming to Columbus this spring. On April 23, AS will host its 2nd annual Empower Summit at Ohio State’s Fawcett Center. It’s an event aimed at uniting autism families, educators and researchers to discuss the disorder and how families can find new resources.
Saturday, May 9, is the annual Empower Walk and 5K run, which is returning to its traditional location at Columbus Commons downtown. You can learn more about both events and register for them at autismspeaks.org.
NBC4 is a longtime media partner for Autism Speaks in central Ohio.