About Us
Who is Dylan?
Dylan is an 13 year-old boy whose family lives in the Milwaukee area. His family is American Indian from the White Earth band of Chippewa located in northern Minnesota. He goes to school, likes to swim and hike, and has autism. Dylan was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and has battled the disability with the help of the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (ASSEW), ABA therapy, and medical intervention.
Dylan’s Run/Walk has been a highlight for Milwaukee’s Autism community since 2001. Hundreds of families are joined by their friends and loved ones to promote Autism awareness, raise funds for Autism research, and support the mission of the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. We are grateful to Indian Summer Festival for their continued support in hosting Dylan’s Run.
After the Run – Stay for the Festival!
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It manifests as a combination of developmental challenges such as delays in language, social interaction and play. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 110 (1 in 70 boys) per the Centers for Disease Control, December 2009. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries, just as it has no cure.
For more on Autism, and the services for autism in southeast Wisconsin, visit the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin’s web site.
What is Dylan’s Run?
Dylan’s Run was created to build awareness about autism in the Milwaukee area and to generate dollars for autism research and outreach programs. At the time the Run was established in 2001, the rate of Autism was 1 out of 500 children. We wanted to highlight the disability and allow families and individuals affected by autism to have an opportunity to come together and show their support for each other. In addition, we hoped that others would support our cause by making pledges to the the walkers and runners participating in the event. Specifically, those dollars would be used to support autism research in Wisconsin and support outreach programs offered by the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin.
An event that started with the goal to build autism awareness and bring together families and friends affected by autism resulted in 354 participants showing up at our first event in 2001. Every year since, in conjunction with Indian Summer Festival, Dylan’s Run has grown. It has grown in terns of media support, it has grown in terms of financial support,
and it has grown in terms of participant support. Dylan’s Run has grown so much during it first nine years that it has become the largest single-day gathering to support autism in Wisconsin. More than 2800 participants and
volunteers attended the 2009 Dylan’s Run, and with your support we will continue to grow in future years. And we must grow; according to current statistics, autism spectrum disorders now occurs in 1 out of every 150 children. Please join the Dylan’s Run Family. We look forward to seeing you in September!
Brochure »
For more information, download the main brochure for this year’s run/walk.
