EAST BOSTON, MA - Thousands of walkers - including individuals with autism, their families and friends - joined together at Suffolk Downs on Sunday, October 19 to raise much-needed funds for critical scientific research and to increase autism awareness at the 8th Annual Greater Boston Walk Now For Autism.

City of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was present to address the walkers before they made their way onto the track, which is a one-mile oval. The event also included various forms of family entertainment, including live music, games and other activities for kids.

All proceeds from the event benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy organization. A growing health crisis, autism now affects one in every 150 children. Greater Boston walkers raised more than $1.3 million dollars at this event in 2007, when it was held at Suffolk Downs for the first time.

Established in 2000, the Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks and have attracted hundreds of thousands of walkers worldwide who have raised tens of millions of dollars for autism research.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Another child is diagnosed every 20 minutes.