Garden Grove resident Julie Chau Diep, 37, speech-language pathologist and founder of OC Autism, knows about the obstacles and challenges of being a family member and therapist to those affected by autism, and walked in support of the autism community during the Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks, Saturday, November 16, at the Orange County Great Park El Toro Field at 6990 Marine Way in Irvine.
Garden Grove resident Julie Chau Diep, 37, speech-language pathologist and founder of OC Autism, knows about the obstacles and challenges of being a family member and therapist to those affected by autism, and walked in support of the autism community during the Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks, Saturday, November 16, at the Orange County Great Park El Toro Field at 6990 Marine Way in Irvine.
Diep, who has a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and is a BCBA candidate, faced struggles with ADHD and dyslexia while in school, overcame all obstacles to achieve her success and credits her disability for opening new doors and opportunities. Diep says of her pursuit of the dual credential that is held by only about dozen people, “I hope to be part of this elite group.”
Diep is motivated to walk for her family and for the Vietnamese community to promote acceptance and to dispel myths about autism for those who may otherwise be uncertain about getting help for their children.
Diep was one of thousands of autism supporters to attend the 10th Anniversary OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks, to be held at The Orange County Great Park, El Toro Field. Walk Now for Autism Speaks is North America’s largest grassroots autism walk.
Exceeding expectations, the 2013 Walk Now for Autism Speaks Orange County raised $258,386 and hosted 9,000 walkers.
Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this fundraising effort generates vital funds for autism research and raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism, the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder, and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.
Special guests included Brian Gutierrez, California State Councilmember for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Ric Romero, ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor, who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the first time.
In 2012, Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks hosted 8,500 people and raised $255,000 for autism. Walk Now for Autism Speaks is North America’s largest grassroots autism walk.