Bike ride intended to raise autism awareness

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- The Autism Society of Greater Austin (ASGA) held an Autism Awareness Bike Ride event in Georgetown on Sunday. 

The Bike Ride, which started at 9 a.m., was held at Berry Springs County Park and Preserve in Georgetown.  Attendees enjoyed a spring bike ride on the beautiful country roads throughout Williamson County.  The inaugural event offered varying routes for families and cyclists.  Routes of approximately 2.5, 9, 20, and 41 miles were available. 

The ASGA is the local chapter of the Autism Society of America which is made up of parents, family and friends who are advocating for autism education, training, and support.  The organizations goal is to develop a better understanding of the challenges facing individuals with autism and their families throughout the Central Texas area.  The ASGA serves as a clearinghouse for the gathering and disseminating of information regarding autism.  The ASGA is an organization that depends heavily on donations.  Riders, volunteers, and sponsors were encouraged to participate with all proceeds benefiting the ASGA.

This event is one of many which occur in the month of April, Autism Awareness month. Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), included in a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development," including social interaction and communications skills. In Texas, 1 in 200 students are diagnosed with autism. The Texas Council on Autism estimates that as many as 132,000 Texans today are believed to have some form of autism and other PDDs.

For more information about Autism and The Austin Society of Greater Austin visit the group's website .