AUTISM DOESN'T SHOW IN THE FACE (Photo by Vicki Byerley)
"Faces of Autism," a photo project designed to raise autism awareness in Southwest Missouri and support the annual Walk for Autism Speaks, announced that its fourth exhibit will be at 501 S. Main during the Joplin Thursday night art walk on July 15, 2010. The exhibit will be open from 5-9 p.m. and feature photos from over 30 area families in both printed and multimedia formats.
Co-chair Linda Barger introduced Faces of Autism after witnessing a friend struggle through her childs diagnosis. I kept thinking, 'I wish she could meet the families that I know and see the faces of the children I know, and see the hope on those faces,' Barger said. She has worked with several families affected by autism.
Springfield photographers Matt and Heidi Giles of Freedom Photography agreed to provide their services at no cost for Faces of Autism. Black River Imaging, a local photo lab, also provided a donation of services for the project.
The inaugural exhibit was held May 7 in Springfield with over 200 in attendance. The next exhibits were at a large regional movieplex and a major human services facility.
About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships. It often is accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $142.5 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014.
About Walk Now for Autism Speaks and its Southwest Missouri chapter
Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder. The 2010 Southwest Missouri walk event will be at Jordan Valley Park in Springfield on September 11, 2010.
Contact information: Jason Holcomb (417) 818-0215, his e-mail or Linda Barger (417) 838-8412, her e-mail
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