Autism Walk on National Mall

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Despite the drizzling, cloudy skies, more than four thousand people gathered on the National Mall to take part in Walk Now for Autism.  There was nine-year-old Nicky Rice, "I'm here walking for Nicky's team!"

Walkers came from all over, representing a variety or organizations. Several sorority sisters from Old Dominion University drove in for the event to support Autism Speaks, the organization putting on the fundraising event.  

Many of the participants are families who have children with autism. That's a number that's growing exponentially.  "Autism now affects one in 91 children in the United States, one in 58 boys, are affected by autism.  It is a crisis.  It's been a crisis for several years now, but now, it's a tremendous crisis," says Susan Pereles, event director at Autism Speaks. 

Pereles says only 15 states require insurance companies to cover ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy, the only therapy proven to help children with autism.  But with changes in healthcare on the national horizon, families with autistic children are hopeful all states will have that requirement.  

"It actually will make it cheaper because the cost for each child is exorbitant.  With early intervention, they can do better and function later in life." 

Hundreds of teams helped pushed the amount raised today to near $800,000.  That money will go toward research, awareness, advocacy, and family services. WUSA9 and momslikeme.com were sponsors of the event.