Walk for Autism at Zane’s Landing Park

 The 6th annual Walk for Autism took place Saturday morning at Zane’s landing park.

The Southeast Ohio branch of the National Autism Association hosted the walk to raise awareness and money to help fight autism. There was a record high participation in the walk this year. Shannon Coconis, president of the N.A.A. in Southeast Ohio is thrilled to have that happen. 

"It’s great because we’re not losing our intensity," Coconis said. "People are still listening and families are wanting to come out and see the resources that are here for them."

Over 300 people pre-registered for the walk Saturday and many more registered at the event. Coconis said that the Dollar General team was the largest donor, raising $16,000. Not all donations are that high, but Coconis said anything helps and that her goal is to have a readily accessible cure for autism. She even imagines a future where the autism walk isn’t necessary.

"I hope that some year we don’t even have this walk," Coconis said. "I’d love to not do it, but right now it’s a necessity for those families."

For more information on everything that the National Autism Association does you can visit their website at http://www.naaseo.org/