The Boston Marathon may be a little far-fetched for the average person, but Bully’s Autism Spectrum Dash located right here in Starkville can easily be completed while contributing to the autism clinic on Mississippi State University’s campus.
In honor of Autism Awareness month, on Saturday, April 23, the second annual Bully’s Autism Spectrum Dash will take place at the Barry F. Box Building. Registration is from 7:30-8:30 a.m., and the 5K runners will take off at 9 a.m. The fun run participants will begin at 10 a.m.
According to Autism Speaks, an advocacy group, autism spectrum disorder is “characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.”
In addition to the fun run taking place on campus, there are also many other events taking place citywide. After Mayor Parker Wiseman declared it Autism Awareness month in Starkville, the community began to raise awareness as well. MSU began its Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign by shining a blue light on the top of the Colvard Student Union, and blue stickers can be spotted throughout the city.
As of 2014, MSU’s psychological services became actively involved with providing service to not only individuals with autism, but also individuals with genetic disorders such as albrights, marfans, down syndrome, CHARGE, developmental delays, learning disorders, and more. However, they only provide these services until the individual emerges into adulthood.
“We have individuals from all over the state, some from several hours away, as well as individuals from out of state who travel to us for services,” Dr. Daniel Gadke, assistant professor for School Psychology and clinic director said.
Although the clinic has a grant from the Mississippi Council for Developmental Disabilities to help counterbalance the fees families with disabled children are required to pay the clinic for their services, the clinic has no direct funding. The clinic provides services on a sliding scale to fit to each family’s needs. Therefore, Bully’s Autism Spectrum Fun Run serves as a source of funding that the clinic is not receiving from any other primary outside sources.
The Autism and Developmental Clinic is an extension of the School Psychology Program whose mission is “to provide high quality services to the community, train future professionals and engage in research to enhance the field and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities,” Gadke said.
He elaborated on their services by stating the clinic provides anything from comprehensive psychological and academic intervention assessments, to individual services that target building skill that are necessary for everyday life and managing disruptive behavior.
“The fun run serves as an opportunity to spread awareness regarding autism and related disabilities, let individuals know about the services we have available and raise money to make sure we can keep the clinic open,” Gadke said.
Registrations fees are $25 to run the 5K and $15 to run the fun run. The route will start and end at the Barry F. Box building. All proceeds will go directly to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic.
