Emily Josephson of West Windsor is chairing this year’s Bark Now for Autism Speaks, a dog-friendly event to raise awareness for autism and funds for research, on Saturday, April 12, at Mercer County Park. She has chaired the Central NJ Walk since 2012 and walks for Team Josephson. Her focus in the organization is on community involvement including outreach and recruitment for Autism Speaks.
“A few days ago, the CDC released new data showing that 1 in 68 children were identified with autism spectrum disorder — up from 1 in 88 a few years ago,” says Josephson. “I really felt strongly about the organization; it does a great job with newly diagnosed families — including who to talk to and where to go.” Josephson, a stay at home mom, became involved with the organization eight years ago. Autism Speaks raises funds and awareness, helps families affected by autism, and advocates for families with autism.
Raised in Pittsburgh, Josephson graduated from Penn State and headed for New York City. She worked in national advertising in magazines for 15 years. One of her co-workers at Better Homes and Garden magazine was the brother of her future husband, Seth Josephson, an attorney. (The News, October 12, 2012). The family lived in Plainsboro for five years and in West Windsor for the past 12 years. Their children are Isabel and Louis.
Committee members also include Laurie Bershad from West Windsor; and Warren Schaeffer, a 2003 graduate of High School South and a former Plainsboro resident.
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders, autism spectrum disorders, caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. There is currently no medical detection or cure for autism.
Autism Speaks, founded in 2005, is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a cure for autism; increasing the awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. “I believe in the mission to help families affected by autism and am very honored to chair the event,” Josephson says.
Bark Now, Autism Speaks, Mercer County Park, West Windsor. Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. 5K dog-friendly walk. Walk with or without a dog. $25 or $30 per dog. 609-228-7332. www.autismspeaks.org.
