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By Allen Worrell

News Writer

Collene Webb can remember a time during the 1980s when 1 in every 2,000 was diagnosed with autism. Thirty years later, that number has risen to 1 in 88.

With that in mind, the Southwestern Virginia Training Center held its Inaugural 5K Walk/Run for Autism Awareness on Thursday. Roughly 60 people showed up to show their support for the cause and to learn more about the complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.

“I think this is a great thing. It is something we have gotten into the past few years and it just pays tribute to all the efforts that go into the services for people with autism, recognizing that need and our support for people with the disability,” said SWVTC Director Dennis Shrewsbury. “The point is to raise awareness and this is a great start.”

A neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. It is important to note, however, that autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and at varying degrees, which is why early diagnosis is so crucial. With early identification, a child on the autism spectrum can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.

Thursday’s 5K Walk/Run for Autism Awareness brought out a wide range of participants. Some, such as Amanda Johnson from Bland, just wanted to get involved because her son was recently diagnosed with high-functioning autism.

“I think it’s wonderful. I would love to gather information if they have it,” she said. “I would love to see some support groups around here because it seems like the closest place is Roanoke, so to have it here, I am really grateful.”

Locally, Sheena Staples and her sister Kyla Ford also participated in the event. Staples’ daughter has just been diagnosed with autism.

“I also have a baby that is delayed and they are looking into possibly being autistic as well,” Staples said. “This event is very exciting because there is no cure for autism, but I know what I look for is support, help and a community to belong to, so it makes things easier. I am excited this is going on. Hopefully more awareness will get more people to join together.”

Legendary for his exploits on the treadmill at Carroll Wellness Center, Ben Jackson is always up for a 5K. Also an employee of the Training Center, Jackson’s cottage specializes in autism and dual diagnosis. Anything that brings more awareness to the autism is a good thing in his eyes.

“We do have people with autism that we work with on a daily basis, so it’s good to bring out awareness for the outside world,” Jackson said. “This is the first {5K} and hopefully as time goes on it will blossom into more people. But I did hear one lady say the closest walk she had found like this was in Richmond.”

Coordinator of Dual Diagnosis Services and Pathways at SWVTC, Collene Webb said autism is more prevalent now than ever.

“We have worked here at the Training Center for 34 years, so we are somewhat the experts and leaders in the community to help people in the community who are now learning about autism,” Webb said. “We’re giving out flyers about the characteristics of autism. We’re trying to just provide some learning and educational information to everyone. We need an understanding about autism, not just an awareness of autism. I think the parents want to help people understand that a person with autism, how complex that can be and how much different it can be for each person. It is unique to the individual.”

In honor of April, which is Autism Awareness Month, SWVTC lights its entrance nightly in blue – the color used to signify autism. Additionally, Webb wants parents and others in the community to know about the Twin County Autism Support Group, which will meet again May 19 at the Carroll County Public Library from 10 a.m.-noon.

“It impacts so many people. It impacts not only the person with autism, but the family is impacted by it. And sometimes it’s a lifelong situation for the individual and they may need some support to manage a normal life setting, so that’s why we are having the walk today,” Webb said. “We do have several people here who have autism and we’ve been around autism our whole life, so we are here to help our community.”