By Kristen Murphy

Pioneers for a Cause will be holding its Annual Autism Color Run on May 6 at Glenville State College Campus. There will be a marked course that will consist of three laps around campus. Participants will be given t-shirts, which will collect a variety of colors from several coloring stations, where non-toxic brightly-colored powders will be thrown at the runners.To participate, there is a cost of $10 for students and $15 for community adults; this will cover coloring and the t-shirt. Check in is at 5:30 p.m. in front of Goodwin Residence Hall, and the run begins at 6 p.m. After the run, participants get to keep the shirt from the run, and are urged to spread awareness about autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder of variable severity, characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication, and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behaviors. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it’s estimated that one in 59 children in the United States are affected by autism. Indicators of autism appear generally around the age of two or three, but some developments can appear early; autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people who have this disorder.

The Color Run will give individuals the opportunity to stand for a cause that many know very little about. There isn’t one type of autism, there are many subtypes, and most are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The best way to spread awareness is to go out and do something about it. This is a good experience and everyone is urged to attend.