ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina will be hosting its 7th Annual Strike Out Autism event from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, June 12 at Striker’s Bowling Center.
Bowlers can pre-register for a 6:15 or 7:30 start time. Each team will be allowed to bowl two games.
Local residents can join the bowling event by pre-registering or coming to the event on Monday night. The cost is $15 per person, $75 for a team of five and $75 for lane sponsorships.
“Even if you do not have a team, we welcome all spectators to cheer on their favorite teams,” said Emily Tucker, chapter co-leader.
The Richmond Service League members are assisting the chapter with this event. Hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be provided to participants.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Richmond County Chapter, which assists children and families living with autism to enjoy a normal life. Funds from this event will be used to send Richmond County children on the autism spectrum to Camp Royall.
Camp Royall, located near Pittsboro, houses the nation’s oldest and largest summer camp program for people on the autism spectrum, year-round programs, and a wide variety of other functions and services throughout the year. In 2016 more than 1,100 people participated in programming through Camp Royall.
Statistics
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the second-most common developmental disability following intellectual disability. ASD is more common than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis combined. It is estimated that up to 1 out of every 59 children born today has some form of ASD. Evidence suggests that the prevalence rate in North Carolina is slightly higher than the national average, at 1 in 58.
The number of those diagnosed with autism has risen dramatically in the past several years. Last year, the rate was 1 in 68. In 2000, it was 1 in 150.
It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million Americans (children and adults) have ASD today, and that more than 15 million Americans (loved ones, caregivers, educators, and health-care professionals) are directly impacted by the disorder. In the state of North Carolina alone, there are more than 65,000 individuals living with ASD.
Individuals with ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects and events. No two people with ASD are the same. As its name implies, ASD is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity. Additionally, ASD is often found in combination with other disabilities.
“With the generous support of our community we will be able to help many of these families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but to work toward a brighter future with programs, educational assistance, and other needs,” Tucker said.
For more information on how your donation is helping to make a difference in the lives of so many in Richmond County, readers are encouraged to visit the society’s website at www.autismsociety-nc.org or contact the local chapter.
For more information or to pre-register, call Tucker 910-334-1363.