The seventh annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks will take place at Ingram Plaza in Liberty Station on Saturday, Sept. 10 to raise funds for Autism Speaks — the nation’s largest autism awareness, advocacy and research organization. In addition to acting as a source of awareness and fundraising for autism, this year’s walk will also commemorate a couple other occasions — including one marking perhaps the most horrific chapter in American history 10 years ago. In tribute to the 9/11 attacks a decade ago, a 20-second moment of silence will take place at 9:50 a.m. between participants’ recital of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Sept. 11 is also a special day for Autism Speaks walk participants Elizabeth and John Beattie of Murrieta as they celebrate that day as the birth of their twin girls Grace and Ava three years ago. The day before his twins were born, John recalls filing a folder on his computer labeled “9/11” before leaving work. “‘I wonder if I’ll ever be able to look at that date and not feel sad?’” he asked a coworker that Sept. 10 day. “The next day, on Sept. 11, 2008, my twin girls were born — a little unexpectedly as they were four weeks early. I haven’t felt sad on 9/11 since.” For the girls’ birthday this year, the Beattie family will celebrate by participating in Walk Now for Autism Speaks in honor of Grace, who was recently diagnosed with autism. “I could try to imagine what Grace would be like if she didn’t fall on the spectrum, but then, that wouldn’t be Grace,” John said. “What I would call an obstacle, my girls would simply consider a way of life.” Grace’s sister, Ava, although not diagnosed on the autism spectrum, has developmental delays in other areas. Now, both of the girls are gearing up for preschool — a much more difficult task for the twins than for most children. “We have been in five-day-a-week in-home therapy with both girls since June of this year,” Elizabeth said. “That means that for two hours every day, our home is filled with therapists who work with each of our girls one-on-one, so play dates and out-and-about adventures are not possible.” The girls will both be placed in special classes that cater to the needs of developmentally delayed and autistic children, but they will have to go to two different schools since their needs are different. “That is a bit hard on us,” she said. “But, in the end, we are just excited for them to get the services they need so that they are prepared as best they can be for kindergarten and a mainstream education.” The early intervention efforts have been successful for both girls so far. “Life is different for everybody, with or without a diagnosis of autism,” John said. “Every child has their path to take — they aren’t longer, shorter or more or less difficult paths. They’re just paths.” The Beatties hope to raise $1,000 for the organization and have asked for donations to the walk in lieu of gifts for the girls’ birthday. Another effort to raise money for the organization is through Dabble, Elizabeth’s online jewelry store where 10 percent of all proceeds go to the Autism Speaks organization. She even has a stackable autism bracelet for others to show support for a loved one with autism. To shop at Dabble, visit www.etsy.com/shop/dabbletheshop. Registration for the walk will begin at 8 a.m. and an opening ceremony — including the 9/11 tribute — will begin at 9:30 a.m. Registration is free, however T-shirts are given to walkers who raise $150 or more and VIP recognition in the Grand Club are given to walkers who raise $1,000 or more. For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org or call (323) 549-5000.
