Buc Banter Online News

Benjamin Team Walks for Autism Speaks

by Kathy Aiello, Ed. D.
The Benjamin School
3/6/13

Thousands from the community came out to participate in the two mile "Walk Now for Autism Speaks" event in downtown West Palm Beach on March 3, including The Benjamin School team.

“We were pleased with the turnout from the TBS community, and the lower and upper divisions,” said Director of College Counseling Kristen Learner. 

Autism is defined as a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, limited communication, and repetitive behaviors, with signs usually appearing before age three.  The goal of Autism Speaks is to accelerate and fund biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism spectrum disorders; to increase awareness of the disorder; and to improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families.

“The students and I also had a chance to speak with Bob Wright, chairman of Autism Speaks and his wife Suzanne,” said Learner.  The couple founded the nonprofit organization after their grandson was diagnosed with autism.  Wright was one of the School’s Leadership Lecture Series speakers in 2009 (Click to view).  “The Wrights were pleased to see members of the Benjamin community lending their support at the walk,” said Learner.