Why We Walk
By Lindsay Haley
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
By Lindsay Haley
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
Below is a speech that was given by 11-year-old Lindsay Haley at the Long Island Walk Now for Autism Kick-off.
When I was young, I found out that my sister was diagnosed with autism. At first, I didn't quite get what autism meant. But as I grew older my knowledge developed and I finally understood autism.
Autism is a disability that people of all ages can have. Unfortunately, my sister was one of those people. Autism can make it harder for children to learn, talk, socialize, or sometimes even behave. Sometimes children with autism can't tell right from wrong, so they just do anything.
Autism is a disability that people of all ages can have. Unfortunately, my sister was one of those people. Autism can make it harder for children to learn, talk, socialize, or sometimes even behave. Sometimes children with autism can't tell right from wrong, so they just do anything.
For example, my sister would randomly sing in public or laugh out loud for no apparent reason. If she were to be upset, she would sit down and scream, forcing either me or my parents to run and comfort her. Many other children with autism do the same thing. That is why a program called Autism Speaks was made.
Long Island Walk Now for Autism is a walkathon in which people of all ages walk one to three miles at Jones Beach in Wantagh. Jones Beach was chosen for this event because there are so many beautiful sights and sounds that take place there. I know my sister just loves to visit there, most everyone does. That's why I love to go there too.
My family and I have been walking for Autism Speaks for nine years now. It seems to put a smile an all children's faces. There are moon bouncers and many games for kids to participate in. My younger cousins are hard to make smile, so when I saw them smiling, I knew that anyone could enjoy it. The games are fun but I would rather walk for autism so we can someday find a cure for it.
Many scientists have been trying to find a cure but they need more money for more equipment. That's where Autism Speaks comes in. Autism Speaks raises money for scientists so that they have a better chance of finding a cure for autism. So it is important that many people walk so we have a better chance of finding a cure for autism.
My sister has been diagnosed with autism for 12 years now. I don't know how she lives through everyday without having a real conversation with a friend or family member. Can you imagine not telling your parents if you feel sick, lonely or hungry? Can you imagine not being able to play or joke with friends? Those are all examples of what my sister can't do. I know she wants to play but she just doesn't understand the concept and rules of the games. It makes me sad to see her watching me instead of playing with me. I just wish that it was the other way around. It would make her life much easier.
Now that you have heard about Autism Speaks, you should feel the urge to do a good deed and help the autistic children of the world. All children diagnosed with autism have a silent call for help and are trying to get through to you. You are their last and only hope. So take a day off and walk for Autism Speaks. It makes people smile and you truly feel warm inside. Over the years, I have heard my sister's call for help and I hope you will someday, too. I would love to see my sister live without autism. Please help all children with autism and help scientists find a cure. Walk for autism and walk for my sister.
Long Island Walk Now for Autism is a walkathon in which people of all ages walk one to three miles at Jones Beach in Wantagh. Jones Beach was chosen for this event because there are so many beautiful sights and sounds that take place there. I know my sister just loves to visit there, most everyone does. That's why I love to go there too.
My family and I have been walking for Autism Speaks for nine years now. It seems to put a smile an all children's faces. There are moon bouncers and many games for kids to participate in. My younger cousins are hard to make smile, so when I saw them smiling, I knew that anyone could enjoy it. The games are fun but I would rather walk for autism so we can someday find a cure for it.
Many scientists have been trying to find a cure but they need more money for more equipment. That's where Autism Speaks comes in. Autism Speaks raises money for scientists so that they have a better chance of finding a cure for autism. So it is important that many people walk so we have a better chance of finding a cure for autism.
My sister has been diagnosed with autism for 12 years now. I don't know how she lives through everyday without having a real conversation with a friend or family member. Can you imagine not telling your parents if you feel sick, lonely or hungry? Can you imagine not being able to play or joke with friends? Those are all examples of what my sister can't do. I know she wants to play but she just doesn't understand the concept and rules of the games. It makes me sad to see her watching me instead of playing with me. I just wish that it was the other way around. It would make her life much easier.
Now that you have heard about Autism Speaks, you should feel the urge to do a good deed and help the autistic children of the world. All children diagnosed with autism have a silent call for help and are trying to get through to you. You are their last and only hope. So take a day off and walk for Autism Speaks. It makes people smile and you truly feel warm inside. Over the years, I have heard my sister's call for help and I hope you will someday, too. I would love to see my sister live without autism. Please help all children with autism and help scientists find a cure. Walk for autism and walk for my sister.
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