By David W. Unkle
SJSports Staff Writer

There was a time, not very long ago, when families with autistic children were told to place their children in an institution and to get on with their own lives.

On September 20, 2003, the Philadelphia Phantoms and Comcast-Spectacor are hosting WALK NOW, the national grassroots fundraising initiative of Cure Autism Now, which unites thousands of parents, children and families in a fun, safe, family friendly environment.

WALK NOW is a family friendly 5K Walk and Community Resource Fair beginning on the floor of the Wachovia Spectrum and continuing around the sports complex. Before and after the 5K walk, you and your family will have an opportunity to meet local autism service providers in a kid-friendly, carnival-like atmosphere.

Providers will include a wide variety of educational resources, therapists, schools, and recreational organizations. While parents obtain important information on available resources, kids will be entertained with Moon Bounces, Arts and Crafts, jugglers and other fun activities

“In the 1950’s autism was thought to be the result of bad parenting”, says actor Anthony Edwards, former star of the hit television series, ER and a currently a Board Member of Cure Autism Now.

“Psychologists came up with the term ‘refrigerator mothers’ because they were so cold to their children that (the children) receded into this place of non-communication.

Edwards points out that “autism was poorly understood and under-researched…becoming “a deep, dark secret.”

Autism affects four boys for every girl (1 in 500 children), causing severe impairment in social, and communication abilities before the age of three years.

Children with autism were victims of incorrect scientific reasoning. As a result, an entire generation of children suffered the consequences of efforts aimed in the wrong direction

Over thirty years after first described in the medical literature, scientists defined autism as a neurobiological disorder. Tragically coupled with the new definition was the pronouncement that autism was incurable.

The course for an autistic child is a lifelong journey but there is hope. With early diagnosis and intervention, the autistic child can learn.

The actor adds, “Cure Autism Now is the largest provider of funds for autism research outside of the Federal Government, committing over $12 Million.”

Cure Autism Now is giving back to the community by organizing and uniting your efforts into a collective sea of people walking towards a common goal: identifying causes and cures for autism.

Be one of the first people to get an up-close look at the brand new Lincoln Financial Field and have a personal impact on funding research to make a difference in the lives of autistic children and their families.

Join Comcast-Spectacor and the Philadelphia Phantoms on September 20, 2003 for WALK NOW.

Registration & Community Resource Fair opens at 8:00 am through 9:30 am.

Opening Ceremonies & Warm-Up starts at 9:30 am.

WALK NOW commences at 10:00 am through 2:00 pm

Because we believe these children must not wait any longer.

Cure Autism Now is an organization of parents, clinicians, and scientists committing over $12 Million in research since its inception in 1995.The organization strives to find answers for autism through research, resource establishment, outreach, and awareness.

For more information, contact Cure Autism Now at 888.8AUTISM or visit their web site at www.cureautismnow.org.