Autism Walk Set at TAMIU Sunday Morning

Texas A&M International University’s Communication Disorders Clinic and the National Student Speech Language & Hearing Association (NSSLHA) will host an Autism Walk on campus Sunday, April 11 from 9 - 11 a.m. on the University front lawn.

Organizer Melissa P. García, TAMIU assistant professor, College of Education, said the Walk is intended to raise awareness about Autism and help support an Autism Conference at the University later this month.

“Our goal is to educate the public and bring awareness about autism to the Laredo community. All proceeds that we raise will go towards our Autism Conference, scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.,” said García.

Fees for individual walkers are $10. Teams/Organizations of up to six people are $50. Businesses of up to 12 people are $150. T-shirts will be provided to registered participants. Registration information is available by calling García at 326.3139 or e-mailing mpgarcia@tamiu.edu.

The April 24 Autism Conference will be open to the public and free of charge.

It will feature two well-known experts in the field; Dr. Patricia Harkins, a developmental pediatrician based in San Antonio and Sheila Shwiff, also a San Antonio-based Speech Language Pathologist.

In February, TAMIU dedicated its new Autism Intervention Center in Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall. In collaboration with the Autism Treatment Center in San Antonio, the Center offers specialized screening services utilized in autism diagnosis.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu