Autism Speaks Walk Helps Bring Attention To Those With The Disorder
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- There are 3 million people in America with autism---and the number is growing.
Now Mike Schuh shows us one family which is learning to thrive.
Jessica Moody is on her way to visit her daughter in school. Charlotte is 11 and, because of her autism, can barely speak---and that's a huge improvement.
"Several years ago, we were not at this point. She was screaming her head off, rolling on the floor. We couldn't go out in public," she said.
But thanks to her school and one on one help, she's on her way.
Amanda Wingate is her teacher.
"She's not even the same kid anymore. She makes me cry a lot. She never spoke her first word until last year," Wingate said.
She's progressed to say the simple words a parent longs to hear.
"I think the first time she told me she loved me and I heard the words," Moody said.
Two Saturdays from now, there is a walk downtown at the stadium for the group Autism Speaks. Moody has a deep interest in spreading the word.
"My other daughters were diagnosed with autism, as well," she said.
At 12, Amelia is in a public middle school.
"I'm good at math and I get really good grades," she said.
Chloe is Charlotte's twin sister; she is also in public school.
The Moodys will participate in the November 14 Autism Speaks walk to raise awareness.
The walk for Autism Speaks is on the morning of Saturday, November 14, at M&T Bank Stadium. It's free to walk. So far, $190,000 has been raised.
