The fourth annual Central New Jersey Bark Now for Autism Speaks, a 5K dog-friendly walk, will take place on Saturday, April 25, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor. The event offers a safe and fun day for families impacted by autism with refreshments for both dogs and people and music by 94.5 PST. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m.
All event proceeds support Autism Speaks, as well as help to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in New Jersey and beyond. Founded in 2005, the organization has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research.
April is Autism Awareness Month and was honored by the town earlier this month (see story, page 15). 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.
Committee members include Emily Josephson of West Windsor, who has chaired the event for the past few years. Committee members also include Laurie Bershad from West Windsor; and Warren Schaeffer, a 2003 graduate of High School South and a former Plainsboro resident. People are invited to walk with or without dogs.
Josephson’s focus in the organization is on community involvement including outreach and recruitment for Autism Speaks. “I really feel strongly about the organization; it does a great job with newly diagnosed families — including who to talk to and where to go,” says Josephson, who became involved with the organization more than 10 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 and is now an instructional assistant for an eighth grade student at Community Middle School.
Josephson is an executive of the Jewish Community Center and is on Abrams Day Camp’s committee. She is also a founding member of Jewish Families and Children Services’ special needs task force.
Her husband, Seth Josephson, was raised on a farm in Hightstown. He is an attorney with a private practice in West Windsor. The family lived in Plainsboro for five years and in West Windsor for the past 13 years. Their children are also involved in the organization. Isabel is a sophomore at High School South. Louis is an eighth grade student at Grover Middle School.
“Autism Awareness plays a vital role in improving the quality of life of all those affected by autism,” says Emily Josephson. “By raising awareness you help dispel common misconceptions and you can help to develop an environment of understanding, tolerance, and acceptance.”
Bark Now, Autism Speaks, Mercer County Park, West Windsor. Saturday, April 25, 8:30 a.m. 5K dog-friendly walk, refreshments for humans and furry friends, and information about autism spectrum disorders. Benefits families in Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. Walk with or without a dog. $30 per dog. Music by 94.5 PST. 609-228-7332. www.autismspeaks.org.
