April is Autism Awareness Month, and Greene County will be hosting a run/walk in Carmichaels April 8 to raise awareness and support for autism—the first of its kind.

The event, hosted by the Dustin Damon Cassidy Autism Foundation, will actually be much more than that, according to Chairman and Founder Damon Cassidy. In addition to the run/walk through Wana B. Park, there will also be speakers, games and lunch, provided by Hot Rod’s. One of the speakers at the walk will be announcing new legislation to benefit autistic drivers – a result of close work with Representative Pam Snyder.

The Foundation’s goal with the walk, Cassidy said, is to plan public events that raise money for services to autistic persons.

“I started the foundation just because it was really confusing trying to find out what I need to do once my son was diagnosed,” said Cassidy. “Our mission is to try and support families, try to provide direction and resources, raise community awareness through public speaking events and public events…try to make the community aware of autism and what it is and how it affects our community and families.”

Cassidy said he was disappointed by the lack of public programs available for families in Greene County with autistic children, so he has made it his mission to fund and initiate those programs.

“There is a lack of services around,” he said. “We still don’t have an early speech therapist in the county…We’re looking at bringing in some graduate students from [California University] this summer to offer free speech therapist services.”

Cassidy makes it his priority to put the majority of funds raised back into the community programs. These programs include holiday events on Halloween and Christmas, and a regularly scheduled support group for parents with autistic children.

“[The support group] gives the parents an opportunity to kind of ask questions and talk amongst each other,” said Cassidy.

When it came to putting together the Autism Run/Walk, Cassidy said that others in the community have been instrumental, and he has been excited to see the overwhelming support for the idea.

“I don’t think we’ve everr had an autism walk in the county,” he said. “It was a great idea, and the Department of Recreation has been so helpful organizing, getting things going. I’m really excited, looking forward to it—I’ve never been in a walk myself.”

Cassidy said he is hoping to see both community members and students at the Autism Walk.

“I would encourage them by saying as far as I know, our foundation for what we do is very much different from other groups,” he said. “Where most of our money goes back to the community. Right now, our board is all volunteers—nobody gets a salary. Everything goes back [to the community] so a lot of the organizations don’t do that. I’m hoping the community will turn their support to local organizations like ours that focus on them. Autism—it’s hard to explain if you don’t like that life. A lot of people don’t understand. I’m really just hoping that the community will come out and support us and support Greene County’s very first Autism Walk and enjoy a great day down in Carmichaels.”

Cassidy said the foundation is searching for volunteers to help at the Autism Walk. Those who are interested can contact Cassidy at 724-550-6467.