Editor's note: Garden Grove resident Julie Diep is pictured in the middle.
Editor's note: Garden Grove resident Julie Diep is pictured in the middle.
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 will walk in support of the autism community during the Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Nov. 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 pursuing a BCBA, 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 12 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.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism affects about 1 in every 88 American children, including 1 in 54 boys. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Diep will be one of an expected 8,000 autism supporters to attend the event. This is the 10th year the event is being held. Walk Now for Autism Speaks is North America’s largest grassroots autism walk. The 2012 Orange County Autism Walk hosted 8,500 people and raised $255,000.
For more information, contact Diep at 714-608-2724, or Julie.diep@ocautism.com, or Jess Block, Autism Speaks publicist, at 909-706-8525 or JessBlockPR@gmail.com.
