SOUTH OTSELIC – Natalie Beckwith knows a lot about raising autistic children. She has three, and with current statistics showing that one out of 150 children and one out of 94 boys will be born with the disorder, the Otselic Valley teacher is trying to spread awareness by holding the third annual Autism Awareness Walk this weekend.

Beckwith started the walk in 2005, and in the first year, she raised over $1,000 for the Autism Society of America, a group that works to serve individuals with autism, their families, friends and the educators who play a central part in the world of autism. Last year, participation at the walk increased and over $3,000 was raised, but Beckwith hopes this year she can top that number. The Third Annual Autism Awareness Walk will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Otselic Valley Firehouse.

The day will be filled with activities for the whole family. Raffles will be held, baked goods, hot dogs, drinks and snacks will be sold, and autism items (tee shirts and car magnets) will be available. All proceeds will go to the Autism Society of America.

“Autism is the fastest growing epidemic, and every 20 minutes a child will be born with autism. We need to find out what is causing this,” Beckwith said.