October 31, 2003

About two dozen students, faculty members and alumni from the College of Education took part in last weekend's Cure Autism Now Resource Fair and Walk-A-Thon held in Golden Gate Park. The group from SFSU raised $1,200 for autism research.

The volunteers -- all from the Department of Special Education -- either took part in the 5K walk or manned the information booth that included brochures and literature about SFSU's program. The SFSU volunteers were joined by teachers, parents and individuals with autism or Asperger's syndrome who have a close relationship with the special education department through affiliations with the public schools and community groups.

"This event holds tremendous meaning for me as I joined together with others in bringing awareness of people with autism to the community," said Pamela Wolfberg, an assistant professor of special education whose research includes how autistic children interact and play with others and who co-founded the Autism Institute on Peer Relations and Play.

"It's a great privilege to help raise funds and showcase the innovative efforts of many talented students, faculty and alumni in partnership with educators, parents and individuals on the autism spectrum," she said.

The mission of Los Angeles-based Cure Autism Now is to identify causes and cures of autism. Founded in 1995, the organization includes parents, clinicians and leading scientists committed to accelerating the pace of biomedical research in autism through research, education and outreach.

Since its founding, Cure Autism Now has funded more than $12 million in research, including the establishment and ongoing support of the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and numerous outreach and awareness activities aimed at families, physicians, governmental officials and the general public.

-- Christina Holmes

1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132    (415) 338-1111
Last modified October 31, 2003, by the Office of Public Affairs