DETROIT – Autism Speaks held the 2015 Michigan Walk Now for Autism Speaks event at Ford Field Sunday morning.
The ninth annual event raises awareness about autism and the proceeds fund research, advocacy and family services.
Close to 3,000 people attended the event.
The event included a community resource fair, providing families with educational options, therapists and recreational programs. There were also several activities on the field for children.
"We have come such a long way in sharing with families, acceptance of autism and really embracing that there are things we can do to improve the lives of our kids," said Nanci Bonfield.
Autism Speaks works to address the needs of families, providing resources for education, housing and employment. The majority of funding goes toward research into causes and treatments of the disorder.
About 1 in 68 children have been identified with autism according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.