VERO BEACH — On Saturday, Aug. 6 Vero Beach resident Cynthia Falardeau will participate in the Loggerhead Triathlon in Jupiter, one of the longest running triathlon events in the state of Florida. As a member of, Team Up! with Autism Speaks, Falardeau will participate to raise awareness and funding for autism research. The race course consists of a 3/8-mile ocean swim, 13-mile bike race and flat 3.1-mile run.
Falardeau is better known to Indian River County residents as the Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Indian River County. Her passion for autism awareness stems from a personal connection through her autistic son Wyatt.
An estimated 1.5 million people in the United States have some form of autism. One in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. One in every 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.
Government statistics suggest that the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not an established explanation for the increase, however, improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons that are often identified.
Autism is a general term to describe a group of complex development brain disorders know as Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive development disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorders – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The simple answer to what causes autism is that we really don’t know. The more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, there are surely many causes. The best scientific evidence around suggests a combination of various factors – multiple components that may cause autism on their own or in combination with undetermined environmental factors. Although the cause of autism is not clear, it is important to note that it is not the result of bad parenting.
Raising a typically developed child takes a village. Supporting the care of a child with autism requires an entire metropolis. From friends and neighbors who care and understand to a troop of educational and medical professionals – everyone plays a part.
You can help by becoming educated about autism. Your knowledge brings awareness and understanding. This kindness creates a compassionate community.
Learn more by visiting www.autismspeaks.org.
To support Cynthia Falardeau in the Loggerhead Triathlon, visit AutismSpeaks.org, or email cynthiafalardeau@msn.com
