HUNTINGTON – The month of April is that which organizations that feel close to autism victims and related matters take time to raise awareness and even funds. The Autism Services Center is one of the organizations and it has planned various events for this year all in the name of creating awareness and raising cash for autism courses. West Virginia has made impressive strides in opening up opportunity for children with autism to get insurance cover, which was not possible in the past.

Autism is a medical condition that affects several million people in the U.S. and tens of millions others around the world. However, the disorder is not as popular as other medical conditions like cancer, diabetes or perhaps the deadly Ebola virus. Nevertheless, autism continues to deny many people an opportunity to enjoy good life as everyone else. Autism victims have difficulty communicating and socializing with other people. The mental condition is usually present from early childhood.

Raising awareness and funds

The Autism Services Center is taking advantage of the April autism awareness month to try and do just that – let people know that the mental condition is serious and that it deserves greater attention. The other thing that the organization is doing is raising funds through breakfast and 5K. The money raise through such initiatives are channeled to various autism support projects so that even more people can get to know about the condition or find help with it.

This month, Autism Services Center has what it calls Rise and Shine breakfast event on April 11 between 8 and 10.30 a.m. at the Tri-State Fire Academy, which is located on Ohio River Road in Guyandotte. Guests to the event will have food items from pancakes to sausage gravy for just $5. On April 25, there will be bike riding and 5K starting at 8.50 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively.

Target Autism organizations

Jimmie Beirne of the Autism Services Center expects a larger public turnout at this year’s events. Last year, over 1,000 people participated in the events. The proceeds generated from the activities will go to the West Virginia Autism Training Center, the Autism Society of the River Cities and the Autism Services Center.

According to a Herald Dispatch report, autism related conditions affect about 3 million people in the U.S. and other tens of millions globally.

West Virginia is making it possible through a piece of legislation for people to seek out insurance cover for autism treatment.