PUTNAM COUNTY, NY – More than 1,500 people rallied at Tilly Foster Farm in Southeast today for Putnam’s 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Walk, a powerful show of community support as autism diagnoses surge nationwide.
Organized by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department in partnership with the Community Engagement and Police Advisory Board (CEPAB) and the Department of Mental Health’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities, the event marked an immediate display of solidarity for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Leading the event, Putnam County Commissioner Sara Servadio expressed deep pride in the turnout and the message of inclusivity.
“Inclusion is everyone’s right, and today was a wonderful example of community being inclusive for those individuals living with autism,”
she said.
Despite early weather concerns, skies cleared just in time, allowing families, local officials, and vendors to unite peacefully and energetically on the farmland, turning the walk into a vibrant gathering symbolizing hope and broad social support.
Dana Touponse, coordinator for the county’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities, highlighted the event’s critical role in connecting families with vital resources.
“Putnam is home to a plethora of resources for individuals with autism, and this walk brings them all together for our community,”
Touponse stated.
Autism diagnoses have skyrocketed by 75 percent over the last decade, with current data showing approximately 1 in every 36 children and 1 in every 45 adults now identified with ASD. The condition affects males nearly four times more than females. Experts warn that many adults are receiving diagnoses late in life as their struggles intensify, emphasizing the urgency for lifelong support systems.
Putnam County’s walk reinforces a nationwide call to action, stressing the significance of accessible, age-appropriate interventions. As these numbers climb sharply across the US, events like this serve as vital platforms to raise awareness and foster inclusive communities.
County Sheriff Brian Hess, who worked closely with CEPAB and other departments on this initiative, echoed the importance of local engagement and public safety working hand in hand.
With growing numbers of affected individuals in Nevada and nationwide, similar community-driven efforts are increasingly critical to ensure adequate support, understanding, and resources reach those on the autism spectrum.
The Putnam Autism Awareness Walk is slated to continue annually, aiming to expand its reach and impact as the demand for public awareness and services grows more urgent.
For families and advocates in Nevada and beyond, the message is clear: inclusion, early diagnosis, and comprehensive support remain a national priority, spotlighted today in Putnam County’s inspiring walk.
