Families Benefit from Autism Speaks

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (WUSA) -- Rory Fitzpatrick is four year old and speaking many words.  But not too long ago, she could not or would not talk and her parents thought she was deaf.  Her hearing it fine, it turns out.  Her problem is autism.   It's uncommon for girls to have autism; the disorder strikes mostly boys.  

But Rory has benefitted greatly from the standard prescribed therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA).   It took a skilled professional figuring out what motivated her.   Beads.  The one-on-one therapy uses constant reinforcement to teach children with autism new skills and words.  

The Fitzpatrick's plan to be on the Mall Saturday walking to raise money and awareness for Autism Speaks, a non-profit that helps fund research to fight the disorder, and also helps families.

9NEWS NOW's Peggy Fox and Topper Shutt will be there as well.